Immediate- and long-term proteomic responses of epicarp from two heat conditioned tangor cultivars stored at low temperature differing in their susceptibility to infection

•Proteomic adjustment after heat treatment is far more pronounced in Ellendale than Murcott.•Carbon derivation towards protective mechanisms is suggested as one immediate response.•Small HSPs play crucial roles in the immediate response to HT and long term cold storage.•Auxin downregulation and DNA structure protection are involved in Ellendale endurance.