In the following which is not a function of ethylene?

Options

A. Breaks bud and seed dormancy
B. Promotes root growth
C. Delay senescence
D. Initiate flowering

Answer

To determine which option is not a function of ethylene, we need to analyze the roles of ethylene in plant growth and development. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. **Understanding Ethylene**: Ethylene is a plant hormone that plays a significant role in various physiological processes in plants. It is often categorized as a growth inhibitor.

2. **Functions of Ethylene**:
- **Promotes Senescence**: Ethylene is known to promote the aging process in plants, leading to senescence, which is the process of aging in leaves and fruits.
- **Fruit Ripening**: Ethylene accelerates the ripening of fruits, making it a crucial hormone in the post-harvest process.
- **Abscission**: Ethylene is responsible for the abscission of leaves and fruits, facilitating their fall from the plant.
- **Initiates Flowering**: Ethylene can also trigger flowering in certain plants.
- **Promotes Root Growth**: Ethylene is involved in promoting root growth under certain conditions.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Bricks, Bud and Seed Dormancy**: Ethylene does not promote dormancy; instead, it helps in breaking dormancy and initiating germination.
- **Promotes Root Growth**: This is a function of ethylene.
- **Delay Senescence**: Ethylene does not delay senescence; it promotes it.
- **Initiate Flowering**: This is also a function of ethylene.

4. **Conclusion**: The option that states "delay senescence" is not a function of ethylene, as ethylene actually promotes senescence.

Thus, the correct answer is that "delay senescence" is not a function of ethylene.