Ethylene is a phytohormone that is responsible for the maturation and ripening of certain types of fruits

• Ethylene is a gas which can be released from one plant to influence the growth and maturation of another plant (allelopathy)

The release of ethylene triggers a positive feedback loop which functions to synchronise the ripening of all fruit on a plant

• Ethylene is produced as a fruit begins to ripen, which triggers the ripening of other fruit (producing more ethylene)

• The production of high amounts of ethylene ensures that the ripening process is rapid and not prolonged

Positive Feedback in Ripening