What Is Ethylene, Anyway?

Category: Health

Ethylene is thought to be a multifunctional phytohormone that controls both growth and senescence. Depending on the dosage, timing of administration, and plant type, it stimulates or inhibits growth and senescence. Both natural gas and petroleum are natural sources of ethylene; it is also a naturally occurring hormone in plants, where it restricts growth and promotes leaf fall, and in fruits, where it stimulates ripening. Ethylene is a vital organic molecule used in industry.