Effect of ethylene on quality of fresh fruits and vegetables
Mikal E. Saltveit
Postharvest Biology and Technology Vol: 15 Issue: 3 Pages: 279-292.
1999
บทคัดย่อ
Ethylene is a naturally occurring plant growth substance that has numerous
effects on the growth, development and storage life of many fruits, vegetables
and ornamental crops at 
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concentrations. Harvested fruits and vegetables may be intentionally or
unintentionally exposed to biologically active levels of ethylene and both
endogenous and exogenous sources of ethylene contribute to its biological
activity. Ethylene synthesis and sensitivity are enhanced during certain stages
of plant development, as well as by a number of biotic and abiotic stresses.
Exposure may occur inadvertently in storage or transit from atmospheric
pollution or from ethylene produced by adjacent crops. Intentional exposure is
primarily used to ripen harvested fruit. The detrimental effects of ethylene on
quality center on altering or accelerating the natural processes of
development, ripening and senescence, while the beneficial effects of ethylene
on quality center on roughly the same attributes as the detrimental effects,
but differ in both degree and direction. Care must therefore be taken to insure
that crops sensitive to the effects of ethylene are only exposed to the desired
atmosphere. A number of techniques to control the effects of ethylene are discussed
in relation to their application with commercially important fruits and
vegetables. Examples of general and specific beneficial and detrimental
ethylene effects are given.