Effect of Ethephon Application on Fruit Quality at Harvest and Post-harvest Storage of Japanese Plum (Prunus salicina) cv. Fortune

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate different concentrations of ethephon on Fortune plum ripening, also observing the effect of ethephon concentration on the fruit parameters of yield, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), SS/TA ratio, firmness, wooliness, diameter, length, and average fruit mass at harvest and post-harvest. The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments and four replications, each experimental unit consisting of four plants. The ethephon concentrations of zero, 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg•L -1 were applied on the plums 20 days before the estimated harvest time. The results indicated that ethephon application induced a higher fruit yield in earlier harvest time, but with no effect on overall yield. Relative to the quality characteristics, the application of ethephon induced a reduction of fruit firmness, soluble solids content, and titratable acidity. Fruit length was not affected. The parameters of soluble solids, titratable acidity, and firmness presented a negative significant correlation with the ethephon dose. Relative to post-storage evaluation, the ethephon application induced a higher SS/TA ratio, and lower HIGHLIGHTS• Several ethephon concentrations were applied in pre-harvest on Japanese plums.• The quality characteristics of the plums prior and after cold storage were evaluated.• Ethephon use hastened the ripening of the fruits, with no effect in overall yield.• Some quality characteristics were influenced by ethephon, both in harvest and after storage.

Preharvest application of ethephon improved growth, maturity and quality of banana

“…Upon application, ethephon breaks down into ethylene, which is rapidly absorbed by plant tissues, thereby stimulating the plant to produce even more ethylene through a positive feedback loop (Petri et al, 2016). Orchards that employ effective management techniques, such as the use of ethephon spraying, are able to achieve early harvesting of high-quality fruits (Marzouk and Kassem, 2011;Mohammed-Al-Saif et al, 2017 andCocco et al, 2022). Therefore, the purpose of this research was to assess the effectiveness of different concentrations of ethephon on the growth, maturity, and quality of banana fruits.…”

“…The exogenous application of plant growth regulators has been shown to play a role in fruit development and quality (Kumar et al, 2014). Ethephon (2chlorethylphosphonic acid), a plant growth regulator, has been shown to accelerate the growth and development of fruits and vegetables, ultimately enhancing the maturity and quality of harvested commodities (Shafiq et al, 2014;Jalili Marandi et al, 2014 andCocco et al, 2022). Ethylene is popularly known for its ripening action, though, it regulates various aspects of plant life cycle including flowering, fruiting, fruit growth, and fruit development (Lin et al, 2009).…”

Ethylene: A Modulator of the Phytohormone-Mediated Insect Herbivory Network in Plants

“…For example, ETH is used as a herbicide to remove weeds such as Messina creeper ( Ipomoea cairica ) and promote pineapple ( Ananas comosus ) production by inducing flowers [ 106 , 107 ]. Also, many studies have found that ET-induced phenomena, such as fruit ripening, are dependent on the dosage of ETH, which is very similar to natural ET [ 108 ].…”