Ethylene Ripens Fruit and More

Ethylene is a plant hormone that does many things. It was first utilized by the Ancient Egyptians who cut figs, as, when a plant is injured, the tissues start producing more ethylene. The result of slashing figs was quicker ripening, not as beautiful of fruit, but quicker nonetheless. Ethylene is a natural hormone emitted by the plant tissues, but can be synthesized for several purposes. Ethylene triggers ripening of fruit (such as tomatoes, melons, apples, etc...),