Question

Sapota fruits are highly perishable and ripen within 5-7 days.
(A). Sapota is a climacteric fruit
(B). Fruits of sapota can be harvested at physiological maturity
(C). Sapota can be ripened artifically for use as table fruit
(D). Sapota can be stored in a refrigerator for nearly six months
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only.
• C. (B), (C) and (D).
• D. (A), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

For any fruit, if you know it's climacteric (like banana, mango, sapota), you can infer that it can be harvested mature-green and ripened artificially with ethylene. This links statements A, B, and C together.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Core Concept:
The task is to identify accurate statements about Sapota (Chikoo) physiology and post-harvest practices.

Step 2: Statement Analysis:
Each statement is evaluated:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{(A) Sapota is a climacteric fruit: This is confirmed. Sapota shows climacteric behavior, marked by increased respiration and ethylene production during ripening. } \\ \bullet & \text{(B) Sapota fruits can be harvested at physiological maturity: This is confirmed. As a climacteric fruit, it's harvested at physiological maturity (firm) for off-tree ripening. } \\ \bullet & \text{(C) Artificial ripening of Sapota is possible: This is confirmed. Climacteric nature allows for uniform ripening with ethylene-releasing chemicals like ethephon. } \\ \bullet & \text{(D) Sapota can be stored in a refrigerator for nearly six months: This is incorrect. Sapota is highly perishable, with a typical refrigerated storage life of only 2-3 weeks, not six months. } \\ \end{array}\]Therefore, the correct statements are (A), (B), and (C).

Step 3: Conclusion:
The correct answer choice includes statements (A), (B), and (C).