Given below are two statements: Statement I: Ethylene is a simple gaseous plant growth regulator that is synthesised in large amounts by tissues undergoing senescence and ripening fruits. Statement II: Application of ethylene increases the yield of cucumber by promoting the formation of male flowers. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

Statement I is correct. According to NCERT, ethylene is a simple gaseous PGR and is synthesised in large amounts by tissues undergoing senescence and ripening fruits. Statement II is incorrect. Ethylene is known to promote the formation of female flowers in cucumbers, thereby increasing the yield. It does not promote male flowers in cucumbers. Therefore, Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect. Answer: Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect