Ethephon (2-chloroethylphosphonic acid) 39% SL is an ethylene-releasing plant growth regulator that is hydrolyzed in plant tissue to release ethylene gas — the natural plant hormone responsible for ripening, senescence and stress responses. CIB-registered for multiple crop uses in India.
Mechanism: Ethephon is taken up through leaves or fruit surface and cleaved by plant esterases to release ethylene (C₂H₄). Ethylene then acts on fruit tissues to accelerate ripening: inducing climacteric respiration, promoting colour development (lycopene synthesis in tomato, anthocyanin in apple), softening cell walls through cellulase and polygalacturonase activation, and increasing ethylene sensitivity of surrounding tissues.
In tomato processing: a single application of 500–1000 ppm at mature green stage concentrates ripening into a short window, enabling once-over mechanical or manual harvest. In rubber: ethephon stimulates latex flow by increasing turgor pressure in the latex vessels and inhibiting premature plugging. In cotton: accelerates boll opening for cleaner mechanical harvest and reduces aflatoxin risk from delayed ripening.
| Ethephon Content | 39.0% w/v min |
| Formulation | Soluble Liquid (SL) |
| pH | 1.0–2.5 (strongly acidic — handle with care) |
| Specific Gravity | 1.25–1.30 |
| CIB Registration | Valid — multiple crops |
| Mode of Action | Ethylene release in plant tissue |
| PHI | 14 days (tomato), 7 days (pineapple) |
| Storage | Cool place — avoid freezing |
| Tomato (uniform ripening) | 500–1000 ppm at mature green stage |
| Mango (ripening) | 200–400 ppm |
| Cotton (boll opening) | 480–800 ppm 10–15 days before anticipated harvest |
| Rubber (latex stimulation) | 5000 ppm bark paint on tapping panel |
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