Ethephon is an organophosphorus compound with the chemical name 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid.
Mode of Action:
Ethephon is an ethylene-releasing agent. It enters the plant through leaves, bark, fruits, or seeds and is translocated to the target sites. In the cell sap (pH > 4), it decomposes to release ethylene gas. The released ethylene has the same physiological functions as endogenous ethylene, primarily enhancing ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis and promoting protein synthesis. In the abscission zones of plants (such as the base of leaf stalks and fruit stalks), increased protein synthesis promotes the resynthesis of cellulase, accelerating abscission layer formation and leading to organ shedding. Ethylene also enhances enzyme activity, activates phosphatases and other enzymes related to fruit ripening, promotes fruit maturation, and inhibits endogenous auxin synthesis, thereby delaying plant growth.
Application Scope and Efficacy:
Applicable Crops: Widely used in wheat, rice, corn, cotton, soybeans, tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons, bananas, rubber trees, tobacco, fruit trees, and vegetables.
Main Effects:
Promote Ripening: Used for ripening fruits such as tomatoes, bananas, watermelons, and peppers to bring them to market earlier.
Promote Female Flower Differentiation: Used in cucurbits like cucumbers, pumpkins, and zucchinis to increase the number of female flowers and improve fruit set rate.
Plant Dwarfing: Used in crops like tomatoes, corn, and rice to control excessive growth and enhance lodging resistance.
Break Dormancy: Used for seed soaking in crops like ginger to promote sprouting and branching.
Other: Induces onion bulb formation, promotes latex exudation in rubber trees, and facilitates cotton defoliation.
Characteristics:
Low dosage with significant effects and systemic translocation. Since its aqueous solution becomes unstable and releases ethylene as pH increases, the spray solution must be prepared immediately before use and cannot be mixed with alkaline substances. It is suitable for use in dry weather, with an optimal temperature range of 16-32°C.
Main Formulations:
Ethephon 5% PA