Role Of Ethylene In Storage Solutions
*Relevant to potatoes and other crops
Sprouting:
Ethylene accelerates the ripening process in many fruits and vegetables. In the case of potatoes ethylene works by altering the signaling pathways of gibberellins in the tuber, responsible for potato sprouting.
Ethylene also promotes the production of abscisic acid (ABA) that opposes gibberellin actions leading to significantly reduced sprouting.
Quality Maintenance:
Maintaining appropriate ethylene levels in storage environments is essential for preserving potato quality and preventing the conversion of starches into reducing sugars, which can negatively impact fry colour.
Using ethylene carefully and in controlled amounts helps prevent sprouting without adversely affecting potatoes intended for commercial use, such as those for french fries.
Is ethylene gas safe?
Ethylene is a very safe gas. It was previously used for tens of years as an anesthetic at concentrations of 70-80%. Now it has been replaced by modern anesthetics, mostly due to the high explosion risk of such high concentrations and not at all for toxicology reasons. Bananas are ripened by ethylene gas and most apple stores contain 50 to 100 times higher ethylene concentrations than used by the Restrain process.
Where does ethylene come from?
Ethylene is a natural gas. It is produced in nature by bacteria and fungi in the soil and by all plants or fruits like apples and tomatoes.
Is ethylene Residue-free?
Yes, 100% Residue-free. Restrain is suitable for use in organic production, leaving no residue in the crop or in the storage facility.