Fruit and vegetable storage facilities are usually refrigerated and well ventilated. Why are these conditions advantageous?

Plant hormones are chemical compounds that help in plant growth and development. Hormones are produced within the plant cells. These mainly occur in very low concentrations. Various aspects of plant growth and development are regulated by plant hormones such as; embryogenesis, organ size regulation, stress tolerance, pathogen defense, and also reproductive development.

For storage purposes, refrigeration and ventilation are very much important for fruits and vegetables.

• Refrigeration: In this process, the chemical reactions taking place in fruits and vegetables generally slow down and prevents early spoilage. Refrigeration stops the water activity by converting the little moistures into ice, thereby preventing spoilage and rotting of fruits and vegetables.

• Ventilation: Ventilation prevents the release of ethylene gas. Ethylene gases released from one ripe fruit can ripen fruits and vegetables in the surrounding area. Ethylene induces ripening and eventually leads to the spoilage of fruits. Therefore, fruits and vegetables must be placed in a well-ventilated spot.