Active ingredient and biochemical mode of action
- Contains Ethephon 39% Soluble Liquid (SL), an organophosphorus plant growth regulator.
- Readily absorbed by green leaves, stems, and fruits, moving systemically through plant tissues.
- At plant cellular pH (above 4.5), ethephon hydrolyzes into ethylene, chloride ions, and phosphate, releasing natural ethylene hormone directly inside cells.
- Ethylene accelerates chlorophyll degradation, carotenoid/anthocyanin pigment synthesis, and fruit flesh softening.
Major agricultural applications and responsive crops
- Sugarcane: Sprayed at planting to break eye bud dormancy, promoting early, synchronized, and profuse tillering.
- Mango, banana, and tomato: Induces uniform ripening, degreening, and appetizing color development post-harvest or at maturity.
- Pineapple: Induces uniform synchronous flowering and fruit development across commercial plantations.
- Coffee: Promotes uniform ripening of coffee berries, enabling synchronized manual picking.
- Cucurbits: Shifts sex expression toward female flower production, increasing fruit set and harvest yield.
Application guidelines and dosage caution
- Use precise CIBRC approved label dosages; excessive concentrations can cause premature defoliation, leaf burning, or fruit drop.
- Apply during cool morning or evening hours, ensuring thorough, uniform spray coverage on target tissues.
- Follow statutory pre-harvest intervals and wear personal protective equipment during handling.
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the active ingredient in Ethrel?
Ethrel contains Ethephon 39% SL (Soluble Liquid).
How does Ethrel accelerate fruit ripening?
Inside plant tissues, ethephon breaks down to release ethylene gas, the natural plant ripening hormone.
What is the role of Ethrel in sugarcane farming?
It breaks bud dormancy in sugarcane setts, promoting faster and more uniform tiller emergence.
Can Ethrel increase female flowers in cucurbits?
Yes, foliar spray at the early 2 to 4 true leaf stage increases female flower proportion in gourds and melons.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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