Autoinhibition of Ethylene Formation in Nonripening Stages of the Fruit of Sycomore Fig ( Ficus sycomorus L.)

Abstract

Differences in the mechanism of ethylene emanation ofFicus sycomo-rus L. during various stages of the fruit development were investigated by enclosing the figs in jars. Two distinct patterns of ethylene emanation were found. Pattern a. in stages not capable of ripening, neither spontaneously nor as a result of physiological treatment (nonripening stages A and C), ethylene concentration in the jar increased linearly for a short time and then remained constant. Pattern b. in stages capable of ripening (ripening stages B, D, and E), the linear increase in ethylene concentration continued for the entire period of measurement. In nonripening stages, ethylene emanation stopped when ethylene concentration in the jar reached a constant value (0.6 pill at stage C). Aeration of the figs and the jar renewed ethylene emanation. CO2 concentration in the jar never exceeded 0.5%