摘要：Ethylene is a plant hormone which regulates many aspects of growth, development and senescence. Depending upon where and when ethylene occurs, it may be beneficial or harmful to harvested horticultural crops. Efficient postharvest technology therefore requires the ability to control ethylene effects to suit our practical needs. Before ethylene can exert such responses, it has to be biosynthesized by the plants or supplies from external sources. As in the case of other hormones, ethylene is thought to bind to a receptor, forming an activated complex which is turn triggers the primary reaction. The primary reaction then initiates the chain of reactions, including modification of gene expression, and leading to a wide variety of physiological responses. In this article, biosynthesis, action and importance of ethylene in terms of postharvest physiology of horticultural crops are given.
