Mode of action and ethylene release
Ethephon acts as an in-vivo ethylene generator that accelerates natural plant maturation processes.
- Ethylene Conversion: Once absorbed into plant cells with a pH above 4.0, Ethephon hydrolyzes to release ethylene gas, phosphate, and chloride.
- Fruit Ripening: Ethylene triggers chlorophyll degradation, starch-to-sugar conversion, and natural fruit aroma development.
- Abscission Zone Formation: Promotes uniform loosening of fruit stalks, facilitating mechanical harvesting of coffee and nuts.
- Flower Induction: Induces uniform synchronous flowering in pineapples and increases female flower proportion in cucurbits.
Approved crops and agricultural uses
Registered under CIBRC label directions for commercial fruit crops, rubber, and plantation farming.
- Mango: Post-harvest dip or pre-harvest foliar spray at physiological maturity to ensure uniform golden color and ripening.
- Pineapple: Induces synchronized flowering and uniform year-round harvesting.
- Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis): Applied to tapping cuts to stimulate sustained latex yield and flow duration.
- Tomato: Pre-harvest foliar spray when 10% to 15% of fruits show color break to achieve synchronized red harvest.
- Cotton: Promotes boll opening and defoliation before machine or manual final picking.
Application safety and food regulation compliance
Correct dilution and observance of pre-harvest intervals ensure food safety and consumer health.
- Never exceed CIBRC-approved concentrations; overdosing causes premature leaf defoliation and fruit softening.
- Food Safety Compliance: Comply strictly with FSSAI regulations; never use hazardous industrial chemicals like calcium carbide for artificial ripening.
- Wear personal protective gear (rubber gloves, goggles, apron) when handling concentrated liquid formulations.
- Observe the mandated pre-harvest interval (PHI) between field spraying and harvest.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the active molecule in Ethephon 39 SL?
It contains Ethephon (2-chloroethylphosphonic acid) 39% SL (Soluble Liquid), an ethylene-generating plant growth regulator.
Is Ethephon permitted by FSSAI for fruit ripening?
Yes, FSSAI allows the use of approved ethylene gas and certified Ethephon solutions for ripening mature fruits, while strictly banning hazardous calcium carbide.
What happens if Ethephon is applied at excessive concentrations?
Excessive concentrations cause severe leaf scorching, unintended leaf fall, rapid fruit softening, and bitter taste; always measure label doses precisely.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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