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The dual nature of ethylene: how does it promote plant growth while shortening fruit life?
Ethylene (CH2=CH2) is an unsaturated hydrocarbon gas that plays a vital role as a naturally occurring plant hormone. This simplest olefin gas not only plays a regulatory role in the growth process of plants, but also has an impact on multiple life stages such as fruit ripening, flower opening, and leaf shedding. However, this growth-promoting property comes with the disadvantage of shortening the life of the fruit.
Ethylene is considered to be the key to promoting plant maturation and can have a significant impact on plant life processes even at ultra-trace concentrations.
History of Ethylene
Ethylene has a long history of use in agriculture. The ancient Egyptians cut figs to stimulate their ripening, while the ancient Chinese used incense to speed up the ripening of pears. In the 19th century, city dwellers discovered that gas leaks in street lamps could cause plant growth to stagnate, flowers to wilt, and leaves to drop prematurely. In 1874, smoke was found to cause pineapple fields to bloom, and the reason behind this was that the smoke contained ethylene. Since then, farmers have begun using chemical methods such as ethylene precursors to amplify the effect.
Ethylene synthesis in plants
Ethylene is produced in almost all parts of plants, including leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruits and seeds. The synthesis of ethylene is regulated by the development stage and environmental factors. During plant life, ethylene production is induced during certain growth stages, such as germination and fruit ripening. The synthesis process involves the amino acid methionine, which is converted into ethylene by a series of enzymes.
In the biosynthesis of ethylene, one of the most critical enzymes is ACC synthase (ACS). Its activity determines the rate of ethylene production, so its regulation is crucial.
Perception and plant response to ethylene
In plants, ethylene is sensed by a series of dimers of transmembrane proteins. These sensing mechanisms allow plants to respond to changes in ethylene in their environment, affecting their growth and development. Under adverse conditions, such as saline soils, ethylene signaling helps plants adapt to stress and promote growth.
Business Impact and Challenges
In commercial agriculture, the properties of ethylene also cause some problems, including shortening the shelf life of fruits and leading to a shorter shelf life of cut flowers and potted plants. To address these issues, many researchers are developing technologies to inhibit ethylene, such as inhibiting its synthesis or perception, to keep plants healthy and extend their lifespan.
ConclusionCommercial growers use ethylene to promote flowering in pineapples, but this comes with challenges for commercial operations because it can accelerate aging in other plants and flowers.
Ethylene is a double-edged sword for plant growth. Although it can effectively promote the development and growth of plants, it can also shorten the life of fruits and flowers. This is undoubtedly a challenge for agricultural producers. In this situation, how can farmers find a balance to effectively utilize the benefits of this hormone and minimize the harm it causes?
