Arifical ripening of fruits is caused by the treatment of

Options

A. I A A
B. N A A
C. ethylene
D. Kinetin

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the hormone responsible for the artificial ripening of fruits.

2. **Identifying the Key Hormone**: The primary hormone involved in the ripening of fruits is ethylene. Ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone that plays a crucial role in the ripening process.

3. **Role of Ethylene in Ripening**: Ethylene levels are low in underripe fruits. As fruits mature, they produce more ethylene, which accelerates the ripening process. This increase in ethylene production is associated with the climacteric stage of ripening.

4. **Climacteric vs Non-Climacteric Fruits**: Fruits can be classified into two categories based on their response to ethylene:
- **Climacteric Fruits**: These fruits continue to ripen after being harvested and show increased ethylene production and cellular respiration. Examples include apples, bananas, tomatoes, and melons.
- **Non-Climacteric Fruits**: These fruits do not ripen significantly after harvest and have a lower response to ethylene. Examples include grapes, citrus fruits, and strawberries.

5. **Conclusion**: The answer to the question is that artificial ripening of fruits is caused by the treatment of ethylene.

**Final Answer**: Ethylene

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