Changes in the crystal morphology, chemical composition and key gene expression of 'Suichuan' kumquat cuticular waxes after hot water dipping

•Prestorage HWD treatment in kumquat reduced the water loss and decay rate during storage.•The 'melting' of the wax layer after HWD treatment preventd water loss and inactivated spores.•Change in wax fractions after HWD might be important for storage performance improvement.•The expression of CER1, LUP2 and LUP4 genes might be involved in the molecular regulation after HWD.