Effect of 2-Chloroethyl Phosphonic Acid (Ethrel) on Ripening of Summer Tomato

Abstract

The study was conducted at Horticulture Research Centre, Regional Agriculture Research Station (RARS), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Jessore, Bangladesh. The experiment was conducted to clarify the effect of ethrel on ripening of summer tomato and also clarify the stage which was beneficial for us. Main constituent of Ethrel is Ethephone 48 S.L. (2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid) was obtained formulated as the commercially available 100% pure (Sigma Company Limited). Ethrel extends tomato fruit cell division and increases fruit size and yield. Water and ethrel treatments were used at 20th days after fruit set and 30–35th days (full ripening). Ethrel-induced ripening of immature and mature-green fruits including summer tomato. The best concentrations and time of application used were 100 ppm for 5 minutes. The best result was observed in case of days to ripening (2.67 days), TSS (4.33), skin color (10.00), shelf life (14.67 days) and taste (good) when mature fruits of BARI Hybrid-4 and BARI Hybrid-5 were treated with ethrel than immature fruits treated with ethrel as well as water. Ethrel was used as a management tool to aid maturity and color development in fruit. It was also used in synchronizing uniform ripening for once-over harvest and to enhance ripening in late varieties or during late seasons or when ripening was delayed. It can modulate plant growth and metabolism by releasing ethylene from tissues even in the harvested fruits.