Catalytic Generators

The Importance of Postharvest Ripening and Testing of Fresh Produce

April 20, 2023 Catalytic Generators

Postharvest handling of some fruits involves additional steps that are critical to their success at retail.  Ripening with ethylene ensures that several of these commodities are at their ideal ripeness and will properly reach a dependable, ready-to-eat stage at the right time.  Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that various fruits release as they enter their climacteric stage, the period when fruit respiration increases and starches convert to sugars. …

A Long and Storied Career in Agriculture and Fruit Ripening

April 14, 2022 Catalytic Generators

In 1979, the founder of Catalytic Generators, Jerry McDonnell, was looking for someone to take the reins of his young but revolutionary company.  At a small farm show, he met Gene Akins, who at the time was Vice President of Powell Manufacturing Company, the leader in tobacco farm machinery.  The two hit it off, and soon thereafter, Gene was hired as President of Catalytic, while Jerry focused on other entrepreneurial efforts.  Just last month, after more than 40 years in fruit ripening at Catalytic, Gene retired as Chairman. …

Ethy-Gen Ii Ripening Concentrate Expands to Netherlands For Banana Ripening

August 16, 2021 Catalytic Generators

Catalytic Generators’ ethylene-based product, Ethy-Gen® II Ripening Concentrate, has received approval from the Dutch Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb) for use in banana ripening in the Netherlands. While not all countries regulate ethylene products for fruit ripening as a plant protection product, some do, and therefore require approval.  So, the company has once again expanded the list of countries where its’ ripening products are authorized by following a detailed process for approval through the Ctgb. …

Ripe & Ready to Eat Mangos May Increase Retail Sales

February 19, 2021 National Mango Board

The National Mango Board has recently partnered with Catalytic Generators to explain how a ripening mango program may work. …

Ethylene Generators Exempted From Fire Codes in Ripening Rooms

January 7, 2021 Catalytic Generators

Catalytic Generators’ unique ethylene systems comply with the international testing standards of TÜV (TÜV SÜD America) which exempts ripeners from making special room adaptions for international fire code compliance within ripening rooms. …