Effect of Ethephon on Ripening and Physiology of Date Fruits at Different Stages of Maturity

SummaryFruits of the Shahani date cultivar (Phoenix dactylifera L.) were harvested at intervals of two weeks from 12 July to 20 September 1975 from a commercial orchard in Jahrom, Iran. At each harvest fruits were treated with 0, 125, 250, 500, 1 000 or 2 000 ppm ethephon and stored in sealed bags or bags with 10 holes. The percentage dry weights of pulp and seed, titratable acidity, soluble solids and respiration rates increased, whereas pH, firmness and astringency decreased with greater maturity. The application of ethephon increased respiration and titratable acidity significantly. Although ethephon concentration and bag type affected ripening, their effects were relatively small; endogenous factors controlling ripening were more important.