Abstract: This invention relates to the use of an ethylene synthesis or perception inhibitor for treating stressed or unstressed banana plant or plant parts in the field prior to harvest. Because the pre-mature ripening is triggered by ethylene produced by the plant, such inhibitor can be sprayed or gassed on the fruit while it is in the plantation (on the tree) to protect and avoid the pre-mature ripening of fruit left on for the full growth period of 12-14 weeks (instead of 11 weeks or less). The invention, therefore, enables the banana growers to leave the fruit on the tree for the full growth period (even under certain stress), thereby gaining a yield benefit without the problem of pre-mature ripening in transit.