| Ethylene is an endogenously synthesized plant hormone that reduces yield at extremely low concentrations (20 nmol mol-1). Ethylene reduces yield primarily by arresting floral bud development at or before micro sporogenesis. Environmental, chemical, or genetic control of ethylene during floral development may improve fruit set and yield. Reducing air temperature had did not affect ethylene-sensitivity, but clean-air treatments for 3 days during axillary flower opening improved fruit set. Floral bud retention and leaf area expansion rate of plants grown in elevated ethylene improved significantly when treated with chemical perception inhibitors. There was a significant difference in yield among tomato cultivars growing in elevated ethylene environments. Reducing ethylene sensitivity in controlled environments may be achieved by a combination of timely control of ethylene concentration, chemical inhibitors, and genetic manipulation. |
