Ethephon 39% SL (Ethrel): A Comprehensive Guide for Farmers

Introduction

Ethephon 39% SL, commercially known as Ethrel, is a widely used plant growth regulator (PGR) and ripening agent in agriculture. It belongs to the organophosphorus family and works by releasing ethylene, a natural plant hormone that regulates growth, flowering, fruit ripening, and stress responses.

Farmers use Ethrel to improve crop yield, synchronize flowering, promote uniform ripening, and facilitate mechanical harvesting in crops like cotton, pineapple, sugarcane, coffee, and fruits. This blog provides a detailed, accurate, and plagiarism-free overview of Ethephon 39% SL (Ethrel), covering its mechanism, benefits, application methods, safety precautions, and regulatory status.

What is Ethephon 39% SL (Ethrel)?

Ethephon is a synthetic ethylene-releasing compound that mimics the effects of natural ethylene in plants. The 39% SL (Soluble Liquid) formulation is water-soluble and easily absorbed by plant tissues.

Key Features:

Chemical Name: 2-Chloroethylphosphonic acid
Mode of Action: Releases ethylene upon absorption
Formulation: 39% Soluble Liquid (SL)
Main Uses: Fruit ripening, flower induction, defoliation, stress management
Crop Compatibility: Cotton, pineapple, sugarcane, coffee, tomatoes, mangoes, apples, rubber

How Does Ethephon (Ethrel) Work?

When applied to plants, Ethephon breaks down and releases ethylene gas, which triggers various physiological responses:

Fruit Ripening:
- Accelerates uniform ripening in fruits (e.g., mangoes, tomatoes, bananas).
- Useful for harvest scheduling and reducing post-harvest losses.
Flower Induction:
- Stimulates synchronous flowering in pineapple, mango, and litchi.
- Ensures uniform fruit setting for better marketability.
Defoliation (Leaf Shedding):
- Promotes leaf drop in cotton before mechanical harvesting.
- Reduces trash content in harvested cotton.
Stress Management:
- Enhances drought resistance in some crops.
- Can induce early maturity to escape pest attacks.

Benefits of Ethephon 39% SL (Ethrel)

Uniform Ripening – Reduces uneven fruit maturity.
Increased Yield – Improves fruit setting and size.
Mechanical Harvesting Aid – Helps in cotton defoliation.
Controlled Flowering – Useful in off-season fruit production.
Cost-Effective – Cheaper than manual labor for defoliation.

Application Methods & Dosage

Ethephon 39% SL is applied as a foliar spray or direct fruit dip, depending on the crop.

1. General Application Guidelines

Dilution: 1–2 mL per liter of water (varies by crop).
Spray Volume: 500–1000 L per hectare.
Best Time to Spray: Early morning or late evening.
Avoid Rain: Apply when no rain is expected for 6–8 hours.

2. Crop-Specific Recommendations

Crop	Purpose	Dosage (per liter of water)
Cotton	Defoliation	2–3 mL/L
Pineapple	Flower induction	1–2 mL/L
Mango	Fruit ripening	1–1.5 mL/L
Tomato	Uniform ripening	1 mL/L
Sugarcane	Increased sugar yield	1.5–2 mL/L

Safety Precautions & Handling

Ethephon is moderately toxic (WHO Class II) and must be handled carefully.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Gloves, goggles, mask, and full-sleeved clothing should be worn.
Avoid inhalation and skin contact – can cause irritation.

2. Environmental Safety

Do not spray near water bodies – toxic to fish.
Avoid excessive use – may cause leaf burn or premature fruit drop.

3. First Aid Measures

Skin contact: Wash with soap and water.
Eye contact: Rinse with clean water for 15 minutes.
If swallowed: Drink milk/water and seek medical help.

Dealer:https://www.amazon.in/ethephon-39-sl/s?k=ethephon+39%25+sl

Regulatory Status & Restrictions

India: Approved with recommended dosages.
USA & EU: Registered but with strict usage guidelines.
Organic Farming: Not permitted in certified organic production.

Alternatives to Ethephon

For organic farming, natural ethylene sources can be used:

Banana leaves (release ethylene naturally).
Calcium carbide (not recommended due to toxicity).
Hormone-based organic PGRs.

Conclusion

Ethephon 39% SL (Ethrel) is a highly effective PGR for ripening, defoliation, and flowering control in multiple crops. However, proper dosage and safety measures must be followed to avoid crop damage or health risks.

Farmers should consult agricultural experts before use and explore organic alternatives where possible.

Final Thoughts

By using Ethephon (Ethrel) responsibly, farmers can enhance productivity, reduce labor costs, and improve marketability of their produce. However, sustainable farming practices should always be prioritized for long-term benefits.

Always follow label instructions and government guidelines.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. Consult an agronomist before application.

Author Profile

Sourashis Chanda

Author (Intern) at Bitlance Tech Hub Private Limited | [email protected]

Sourashis Chanda brings readers their unique perspective on Business, Economy, Health and Fitness. With a background in Health and Physical Fitness of 2years, I am dedicated to exploring [what they aim to achieve with their writing, on the sustainable Economy of the country, various pro tips about business, latest goverment news, with some tips in health are and Fitness.