Question

Sapota fruits are highly perishable and ripen within 5-7 days.
(A). Sapota is a climacteric fruit
(B). Fruits of sapota can be harvested at physiological maturity
(C). Sapota can be ripened artifically for use as table fruit
(D). Sapota can be stored in a refrigerator for nearly six months
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only.
• C. (B), (C) and (D).
• D. (A), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

For any fruit, if you know it's climacteric (like banana, mango, sapota), you can infer that it can be harvested mature-green and ripened artificially with ethylene. This links statements A, B, and C together.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the correct statements regarding the physiology and post-harvest handling of Sapota (Chikoo).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze each statement:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{(A) Sapota is a climacteric fruit: This is correct. Sapota exhibits a distinct climacteric pattern, with a sharp increase in respiration and ethylene production during ripening. } \\ \bullet & \text{(B) Fruits of sapota can be harvested at physiological maturity: This is correct. As a climacteric fruit, it is harvested once it reaches physiological maturity but is still firm, and it can then ripen off the tree. } \\ \bullet & \text{(C) Sapota can be ripened artificially for use as table fruit: This is correct. Because it is climacteric and responds to ethylene, ripening can be induced and made uniform by treating the mature fruits with ethylene-releasing chemicals like ethephon. } \\ \bullet & \text{(D) Sapota can be stored in a refrigerator for nearly six months: This is incorrect. The introductory sentence itself states that sapota is highly perishable. Its storage life, even under refrigerated conditions, is typically only 2-3 weeks, not six months. } \\ \end{array}\] Therefore, the correct statements are (A), (B), and (C).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is the one that includes statements (A), (B), and (C).