What plant growth regulator is used to ensure uniform ripening of fruit?

Ethylene is a plant hormone that plays a crucial role in various aspects of plant growth and development, particularly in the process of fruit ripening. It is a gaseous hormone that acts as a signaling molecule, promoting ripening and ensuring uniformity among fruits. Ethylene production increases as fruits begin to ripen, leading to a series of physiological changes that contribute to the development of color, texture, and flavor.

Fruits that are climacteric, such as bananas, tomatoes, and apples, respond significantly to ethylene exposure, which triggers the transition from synthesis to respiration and leads to ripening. This is why ethylene is often utilized in agricultural practices and post-harvest treatment to synchronize ripening, thereby enabling consistent quality and marketability.

The other hormones listed have different functions; for example, abscisic acid is primarily involved in stress responses and regulating seed dormancy, auxins are key in cell elongation and regulating growth patterns, while gibberellins are associated with seed germination and stem elongation. However, none of them are as directly involved in the ripening process as ethylene.