The most important hormone that induces the ripening of fruit is

The most important hormone that induces the ripening of fruit is ethylene. Ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone that regulates many aspects of plant growth and development, including fruit ripening. As fruit ripens, it produces increasing amounts of ethylene, which then triggers a cascade of biochemical and physiological changes that result in the characteristic changes associated with ripening, such as softening, sweetening, and changes in color. Indole acetic acid, gibberellins, and cytokinins are also important plant hormones, but they are not primarily involved in fruit ripening.