Cell wall composition and structure change during olive fruit abscission, when cells separate. The researchers studied 'Picual' olive fruit to understand this process. They found that the cell separation is linked to changes in pectic polysaccharides. Specifically, unesterified homogalacturonans play a role in cell separation. Additionally, galactose-rich and arabinose-rich pectins decrease in the cell walls during ripe fruit abscission. Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are also involved, with lower levels present during ripe fruit abscission. This study provides new insights into how cell walls change during olive fruit abscission.