Question

An example of non-climacteric fruit is

• A. Banana
• B. Mango
• C. Avocado
• D. Citrus

Hint:

Climacteric fruits (e.g., Apple, Banana, Tomato, Mango) can ripen after being picked.
Non-climacteric fruits (e.g., Citrus, Grape, Strawberry) must be fully ripe before harvesting because they do not ripen off the plant.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Fleshy fruits are classified into climacteric and non-climacteric categories based on their respiratory patterns and ethylene production during the ripening process.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the differences between these two types of ripening:
1. Climacteric Fruits (Banana, Mango, Avocado): These fruits undergo a dramatic increase in cellular respiration (the climacteric rise) accompanied by a burst of ethylene biosynthesis at the onset of ripening.
They can be harvested green (when physiologically mature) and will ripen successfully off the tree when exposed to exogenous ethylene.
Banana, mango, and avocado are classic examples of climacteric fruits.
2. Non-climacteric Fruits (Citrus) (D): These fruits do not exhibit a surge in respiration or ethylene production during ripening.
They produce only trace amounts of ethylene and must remain attached to the parent plant to ripen fully, as they do not ripen successfully after harvest.
Citrus fruits (such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits), grapes, and strawberries are classic non-climacteric fruits.
Therefore, among the options listed, Citrus is the non-climacteric fruit.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Citrus is an example of a non-climacteric fruit, corresponding to option (D).