Ethylene

The Oldest Identified Growth Regulator

Discovered in 1901 by Dmitry Neljubow

 It wasn't until 1934 that Gane reported that plants synthesize ethylene 

In 1935, Crocker confirmed ethylene is a plant hormone responsible for 

Ripening

Ripening: Climacteric and Non Climacteric

Ripening: Starch is converted to sugar

Ethylene: Governs senescence and ripening process

1 ppm sufficient for Fruit ripening 

100 ppm is frequently used artificially

Ethylene Use: Post Harvest

Tomatoes ripened by Ethylene gas in American Supermarkets all year round

Ethylene Gas liberated by ripe fruits can initiate ripening in raw fruits

Apples produce a lot of ethylene. 

Unripe fruit in a paper bag with a ripe apple can speed up ripening

Ethylene: Wonder

Storing Fruits and Vegetables

Ethylene: Other Applications

Snapshot: Ethylene

Ripening

Fruits are picked when they are green and are then exposed to Ethylene Gas 

Ethylene Producers VS Ethylene Sensitive

Ethylene: Ripening