The interactions between ethylene and abscisic acid during fruit ripening

Fruits serve as vital components of human nutrition, providing essential micronutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. The terminal phase of fruit development, termed ripening, profoundly impacts quality traits and postharvest economic value. Ethylene and abscisic acid (ABA), two pivotal phytohormones, orchestrate fruit ripening through intricate regulatory networks. While early studies predominantly focused on their independent roles, emerging evidence highlights the dynamic crosstalk between ethylene and ABA as a critical modulator of ripening. This review synthesizes recent advancements in understanding their mutual regulatory mechanisms during ripening, emphasizing ABA's role in modulating ethylene biosynthesis and signaling, and vice versa. Additionally, we discuss external factors and transcription regulators that co-regulate both hormones. These findings not only refine our understanding of hormonal interplay in plant physiology but also present opportunities for targeted manipulation of ripening processes to enhance fruit quality and shelf life.