Misuse of ethylene in pineapple ripening

As per ripening behaviour, pineapple is a non climacteric fruit as its ripening is not associated with increased rate of respiration and ethylene production. Once the fruit is harvested before proper ripening, it will not ripen further. Ethylene treatment on pineapple before or after harvest will not promote ripening but will act as a degreening agent to breakdown the green chlorophyll of the peel and prop up yellow colour development making the fruit more attractive irrespective of maturity.

Recently it was reported in The Daily Star that pineapple growers of Modhupur (Tangail) regularly applied 'Ripen15 '—an aqueous solution of Ethephon (2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid) -- to the fruits for ripening releasing ethylene. Application of ethylene emanating chemicals is misuse in respect of pineapple ripening. Consumers are tempted to buy artificially induced yellow coloured pineapple but become frustrated as the taste of such fruit is not palatable or juicy with natural flavour. Non climacteric fruit like pineapple has to be ripened naturally while on the plant, for better quality. It is ready for harvest when at least one third of the fruit has turned yellow. Pineapple starts ripening usually after six months of flower induction.

Naturally ripened pineapple has good taste and high market value. Officials of Department of Agricultural Extension and NGOs working in pineapple growing areas should motivate the farmers not to use ethylene for pineapple ripening which costs money and is technically inappropriate.

Dr. S.M. Monowar Hossain
Lalmatia, Dhaka