Main content

The science of ripening and seed dispersal

Stefan Gates reveals the surprising importance that the cold of winter plays in the development of summer fruit, through the mysterious process of vernalisation. He unpicks how vernalisation actually works, using an apple tree an example. Finally, he looks at the importance of fruit as a means of seed dispersal for plants, and the science involved in ripening, explaining why ripe fruit is created to look and taste so appetising.

Release date:

Duration:

4 minutes

This clip is from