Explain the physiological effects of ethylene.

Explanation

(i) Ethylene promotes the ripening of fruits. E.g. Tomato, Apple, Mngo, Banana, etc.
(ii) Ethylene inhibits the elongation of stem and roots in dicots.
(iii) Ethylene hastens the senescence of leaves and flowers.
(iv) Ethylene stimulates formation of abscission zone in leaves, flowers, and fruits. This leads to premature shedding.
(v) Ethylene breaks the dormancy of buds, seeds and storage organs.