The effects of salicylic acid on the rate of respiration during banana fruit ripening have been investigated. Results are shown in Fig. 1. In control fruits (in the absence of salicylic acid) the rate of respiration was found to increase with ripening exhibiting a peak on day 4 (climacteric peak). Rate of respiration has been reported to increase with ripening of all climacteric fruits. Salicylic acid treatment resulted in a decrease in the rate of respiration as well as a delay in appearance of climacteric peak, in a concentration dependent manner, as compared to control. There was a gradual increase in respiration rate of salicylic acid treated fruits up to 6th day of treatment suggesting a delay in ripening (respiratory burst).