Fruit Development and Plant Hormones

• 14 Apr 2025

Why in News? 

 Fruit ripening is the final stage and also facilitates seed dispersal as an integral part of the plant’s aging (senescence) process. 

 Key Points 

•  About Fruit Development and Plant Hormones: 
  • Phases of Fruit Development: Fruit development occurs in 3 stages:  
    • fruit set (ovary growth begins after fertilization),  
    • fruit growth (active cell division and expansion), and  
    • maturation (fruit and seed reach full size).  
    • This is followed by ripening, which improves edibility and aids in seed dispersal. 
• Process of Fruit Ripening: 

 

• Plant Hormones: 

• Substances Used for Artificial Fruit Ripening: 
  • Calcium Carbide: It releases toxic acetylene gas and may contain phosphorus, and arsenic (a carcinogenic substance)causing severe health issues.  
    • Its usage has been banned by FSSAI under Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011. 
  • Permitted Substances: 
    • Ethylene Gas: Approved by FSSAI up to 100 ppm (parts per million); triggers natural ripening. It must be applied in controlled ripening chambers and not in direct contact with fruits. 
    • Ethephon: Releases ethylene on breakdown and used for artificial ripening under regulated conditions. 
    • Ethereal: It is an ethylene-releasing compound used in controlled settings.