Question

Which among the following is a climacteric fruit ?

• A. Pineapple
• B. Grape
• C. Mandarin
• D. Peach

Hint:

Post-Harvest Classification: - Climacteric = Respiration surge + Ethylene spike (Peach, Apple, Ba, Mango). - Non-Climacteric = Steady respiration decline (Citrus, Grape, Pineapple, Pomegrate).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question requires identifying the climacteric fruit crop among the four options provided.

Step 2: Key Physiological Concepts:

• Climacteric Fruits: Fruits that exhibit a sharp rise in respiration rate coupled with a surge in interl ethylene production during ripening. These fruits can be harvested at full maturity (green stage) and will ripen off the tree.
• Examples of Climacteric Fruits: Mango, Ba, Papaya, Guava, Apple, Peach, Plum, Pear, Tomato, Sapota.
• Non-Climacteric Fruits: Fruits that do not exhibit an ethylene burst or elevated respiration peak during ripening. They must ripen fully on the plant prior to harvest.
• Examples of Non-Climacteric Fruits: Citrus (Mandarin, Sweet Orange, Lemon), Grape, Pineapple, Litchi, Pomegrate, Strawberry.

Step 3: Detailed Explation:

• Pineapple: Non-climacteric; does not store starch to convert to sugar post-harvest.
• Grape: Non-climacteric; respiration declines steadily after harvest.
• Mandarin: Non-climacteric; citrus species produce minimal autocatalytic ethylene.
• Peach (Prunus persica): A stone fruit belonging to the Rosaceae family that exhibits a pronounced climacteric peak in both $CO_2$ evolution and ethylene release during flesh softening and aroma synthesis.

Step 4: Fil Answer:
Peach is a climacteric fruit. Hence, option (D) is the correct answer.