Functions of Ethylene
Following is the list of some functions ethylene performs as a plant growth regulator;
- Helps in the germination of seeds.
- Helps in the ripening of the fruits.
- Induces flowering from buds.
- Helps in the determination of sex in flowers and produces female flowers in a male plant.
- Helps in pollination.
- Helps in root initiation and root growth.
- Helps the flower in epinasty.
- Effects gravitropism by reducing sensitivity to gravity.
- Inhibits the longitudinal growth of the stem and promotes horizontal growth.
- Promotes the senescence of leaves and flowers.
- Promotes apical dominance.
- Induces artificial ripening in climatic fruits.
- Induces flowering in pineapple and mango.
What is Ethylene?
Ethylene is a chemical substance that has found a huge amount of applications for humans as well as nature. It is found in plants as an important hormone as well is used by humans to produce some of the important industrial products like polyethylene or polystyrene or even ethanol.