Inhibiting the effects of ethylene

1.Controlled atmosphere: Low concentrations of O2 and high concentration of CO2 in the storage atmosphere reduce the rates of respiration, ethylene production and other metabolic processes. For example, bananas packed in polyethylene-linked boxes can be transported at 15-250 C in the presence or even without a pot permagnet absorber mainly because of the accumulated CO2 produced by the fruit on preventing the action of ethylene.

2.Specific anti-ethylene compounds e.g. silver ion and gaseous olefin, 2,5-norborneadiene (NBD): Ornamental commodities are commercially treated with a complex between silver and thiosulfate (STS), which has a very low stability constant and therefore moves readily from the vase solution to the head of the cut flowers. Flowers pulsed with this material last 2-3 times as long as control flowers. Potted flowers don’t lose their flowers during transportation if they are first treated with STS.

3.Inhibition of ethylene biosynthesis: Inhibitors of ethylene biosynthesis, such as AVG and AOA, have been used in lab expts to extend flower vase life and fruit storage life. However, these inhibitors don’t prevent the action of ethylene that is present as an environmental pollutant.