Question

The gas used for artificial ripening of green fruit is 
1. ethene 
2. ethane 
3. carbon dioxide
4. acetylene

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : acetylene

The correct answer is acetylene.

• Acetylene (ethylene) is used for the artificial ripening of green fruits.
• The life of fruit can be divided into three phases:
  • fruit set,
  • fruit development, and
  • fruit ripening.
• Fruit ripening is an irreversible phenomenon involving a series of biochemical, physiological, and organoleptic changes.
• Acetylene gas liberated from calcium carbide accelerates the ripening process.

• Calcium carbide is also used in some countries for artificially ripening fruits. When calcium carbide comes in contact with moisture, it produces acetylene gas, which is similar in its effects to the natural ripening agent, ethylene.