Question

Which of the following statement(s) concerning ethephon is/are true?
I. It is commercially used to ripen fruits
II. It is the source of ethylene
III. Plants can easily absorb and transport ethephon in solution

• A. Only I
• B. I and II
• C. II and III
• D. I, II, and III

Answer 1

The correct option is D I, II, and III

Ethephon is the most widely used commercial source of ethylene. It hastens fruit ripening and accelerates abscission (shedding or separation from the plant). Ethylene is a gas and is difficult to use commercially. Ethephon, or 2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid, is solid and can easily be used in a solution. Plants can easily absorb and transport ethephon in solution. They convert it to ethylene and release it slowly.