Question

Advantages and disadvantages of fruit ripening by ethylene

Answer 1

Ethylene C2H4 is a gaseous organic compound. It is used to ripen fruit.

Advantages

1. Fruits and vegetables like bananas, avocados and tomatoes can be ripened quickly by introducing ethylene gas into a controlled environment.

2. It helps to regulate the ripening process.

Disadvantages

1. Ethylene gas can cause premature decay of some fruits and vegetables which are sensitive to it.

2. The fruits ripened with the help of ethylene lack the characteristic flavour and aroma of a naturally ripened fruit.

Answer 2

Here is the answer to your question.
Ethylene gas is used commercially to ripen tomatoes, bananas, pears and many other fruits. Ethylene is thought of as the aging hormones in plants. In addition to causing fruits to ripen, it can cause plants to die. It is used in a positive manner in fruit ripening but it can also cause damage in plants. Ethylene can be explosive if it reaches high concentrations, so it has to be used high cautiously.
Hopefully it helps. Thanks.