Effect of ethrel in aqueous solution and ethylene released from ethrel on mango fruit ripening

SummaryThe effect of ethrel in aqueous solution and ethylene released from ethrel was evaluated on fruit ripening of ‘Kitchner’, ‘Dr Knight’ and ‘Abu-Samaka’ mango. Ripening was enhanced in all treated fruits of the three cultivars at all concentrations used. The ripening rate progressively increased with increase in concentration. Ethylene released from ethrel was more effective in triggering fruit ripening than dipping fruits in aqueous solution of ethrel. Depending on concentration and cultivar, ripening was 1–3.d faster in fruits dipped in 500 and 1000 ppm ethrel and 1–5.d earlier in fruits treated with 250, 500 and 1000 ppm ethylene released from ethrel, compared with untreated fruits. The effect on fruit ripening was indicated by enhanced climacteric peak, increased skin colour, increased total soluble solids and decreased flesh firmness.