Question

Ethylene gas is used for

• A. Growth of plants
• B. Delaying fruit's abscission
• C. Ripening of fruits
• D. Stopping the leaf abscission

Answer 1

The correct option is C Ripening of fruits

Ethylene is a simple gaseous plant growth regulator (PGR). It is synthesised in large amounts by tissues undergoing senescence and ripening fruits. Influences of ethylene on plants include horizontal growth of seedlings, swelling of the axis and apical hook formation in dicot seedlings. Ethylene promotes senescence and abscission of plant organs especially of leaves and flowers. Ethylene is highly effective in fruit ripening. It enhances the respiration rate during ripening of the fruits. This rise in rate of respiration is called as respiratory climacteric.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.