ABSTRACT
Ethylene is a gaseous ripening hormone that is naturally present in plants and plant parts including fruits, vegetables, flowers, leaves, stem and seeds. Besides its well-known advantages in inducing the ripening of fruits, prolonged exposure to exogenous ethylene is not always beneficial. During storage, elevated levels of ethylene can induce harmful effects including rapid ripening, senescence, depigmentation, disease susceptibility, off-flavor, softening, bitterness and numerous physiological disorders. Both endogenous and exogenous ethylene can deteriorate the produce quality and reduces the shelf life during the course of the food supply chain. Thus it is very important to control and manage the level of ethylene by checking ethylene biosynthesis, inhibiting binding sites, removing the surrounding environment and changing the genetic constituents of the produce. Use of ACC synthase antisense silencing, 1-MCP, activated charcoal, polyamines, potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and modifying the environment by elevating CO2 levels in storage are some of promising approaches. Application of novel phytohormones like polyamines, oxalic acid, salicylic acid, NO2, jasmonic acid and other molecules such as ozone, hydrated lime, palladium-based particles are gaining much interest. This chapter aims to provide detailed information about the importance and management of ethylene in postharvest handling of horticultural crops.
