Control of ripening

Question 1

What hormones is involved in the ripening of climacteric fruits?

Answer 1

ethene (g)

Question 2

What are climacteric fruits?

Answer 2

• continue ripen after they have been harvested

Question 3

What is the effect of ethen on climacteric fruits?

Answer 3

• ripening is limited to a peak of ethene production triggering a series of chemical reaction including a greatly increased respiration rate

Question 4

How can the effect of ethene be seen?

Answer 4

• 2 bags
  
  • one with only green bananas
  • green bananas with a ripe banana
• the bunch with the ripe banana will ripen faster
  
  • even if temp is the same
• ethene from the ripe banana stimulates the rapid ripening of the green ones

Question 5

How is ethene used commericallly?

Answer 5

• in the production of perfectly ripe climacteric fruit for greengrocers and supermarkets
• fruits are harvested before they are riped
  
  • then cooled, stored, and transported
  • less easily damaged
• when needed for sale, they are exposed to ethene gas in controlled condition
  
  • ensures that each batch ripens at the same rate

Question 6

WHy is use of ethene important

Answer 6

• prevents wastage during transport
• increases the time available to be sold