ethene

• • is a gas so can't be directly sprayed
  • scientists developed 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid that can be sprayed in solution, easily absorbed and slowly releases ethene inside the plant
• can speed up ripening of apples, tomatoes and citrus fruits
• promotes fruit drop in cotton, cherry and walnut
• promotes female sex expression in cucumbers as reduces chance of self-pollination
• promotes lateral growth in some plants, yielding compact flowering stems
• restricting ethene

  • storing fruit in low temps with little O2 and high CO2 prevents ethene synthesis
  • prevents fruit ripening so they can be stored longer