Question

Describe the physiological effects and applications of ethylene.

Hint:

Ethylene is widely used in agriculture to regulate plant growth and fruit production.

Answer 1

Ethylene is a plant hormone responsible for regulating fruit ripening and stress responses. 
1. Fruit Ripening: Ethylene accelerates ripening in climacteric fruits like bananas, mangoes, and tomatoes. 
2. Leaf Abscission: Causes leaf and flower drop by weakening cell walls at the base of petioles. 
3. Stem Thickening: Promotes lateral expansion, resulting in shorter, thicker stems. 
4. Root Growth: Enhances root initiation and adventitious root formation. 
5. Applications of Ethylene in Agriculture: 
(i) Used in artificial fruit ripening in commercial agriculture. 
(ii) Promotes flowering in pineapples. 
(iii) Induces synchronized fruit maturation in crops.