What is a phytohormone? Mention different groups of phytohormones with examples? Discuss the present scenario on commercial use of hormones in artificial fruit ripening?
In short
Phytohormones are natural organic substances that regulate plant growth at very low concentrations, grouped as auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid and ethylene. Ethylene is the hormone most used commercially for ripening mangoes and bananas, and regulated ethylene chambers are replacing hazardous calcium carbide in Andhra Pradesh markets.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 255 words
Regulatory Oversight
The Central Insecticides Board and state agricultural departments regulate phytohormones, ensuring safe use in horticulture and monitoring harmful chemicals in artificial ripening.
Major Hormones
Auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, and ethylene regulate growth and ripening; ethylene is key commercially for artificial ripening of climacteric fruits.
Functional Dynamics
Hormones interact antagonistically, e.g., cytokinins open stomata, ABA closes them; auxins inhibit abscission while ethylene promotes it, balancing development and senescence.
Current Methods
Andhra Pradesh markets use ethylene gas and ethephon in chambers for controlled ripening; illegal calcium carbide use persists despite health risks and government bans.
Economic and Health Impact
Artificial ripening extends shelf life, aiding farmers and merchants, supporting horticultural exports under NHM. Unsafe practices threaten consumer health, prompting stricter enforcement and awareness campaigns.
Regulatory Strengthening
Enforce bans on harmful chemicals and promote ethylene-based ripening through coordinated efforts between agricultural and health departments in Andhra Pradesh.
Capacity Building
Expand farmer training by ANGRAU and agencies on safe hormone use and ripening technologies, alongside investment in ethylene ripening infrastructure.
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