Ethylene encourages the abscission of leaves and fruits, prevents the lengthening of shoots, and stops the growth of lateral buds. Ethylene is involved in the transformation of physiologically mature fruit into ripe fruit in apples and cherries.
The multifunctional phytohormone ethylene is thought to control both growth and senescence. Depending on the concentration, timing, and species of the plant, it either promotes or inhibits the processes of growth and senescence.
