About Ethrel
Ethrel (Ethephon 39% SL) by Bayer is a plant growth regulator used for inducing flowering, inducing uniform ripening, enlarging fruit size, and increasing yield in crops such as mango, pineapple, coffee, tomato, rubber, pomegranate, and grape. It effectively works as a systemic hormone spray that penetrates the plant tissues, translocates within the plant, and slowly decomposes into ethylene, which positively influences growth, ripening, and overall plant development. By supporting uniform ripening in coffee, mango, and tomato, flower induction in pineapple, better latex yield in rubber, and defoliation in pomegranate and grape, Ethrel contributes to a successful, good-quality harvest. It is applied via foliar spray, fruit dipping, or bark brushing, depending on the crop.
Ethrel Technical Composition
Composition |
Percentage (%) |
Ethephon Technical (Min Purity 75% w/w a.i.) |
52% w/w |
Propylene Glycol |
26% w/w |
Distilled Water |
22% w/w |
Total |
100% w/w |
Mode of Action: Ethrel is a systemic plant growth regulator. After application it penetrates the plant tissues, is translocated within the plant, and slowly decomposes into ethylene. This ethylene release drives flowering, ripening, defoliation, and latex flow, improving fruit quality and overall plant development depending on the crop and stage of application.
Time of Application: Crop and purpose specific
Key Features & Benefits
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Induces Flowering: Promotes flower induction, such as pineapple and juvenile mango.
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Promotes Uniform Ripening: Supports even ripening in coffee, mango, and tomato for a better harvest.
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Enlarges Fruit Size: Contributes to improved fruit size and quality.
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Increases Yield: Helps improve overall crop yield, including latex yield in rubber.
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Breaks Alternate Bearing in Mango: Helps address the alternate bearing tendency in mango.
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Aids Defoliation in Pomegranate & Grape: Supports defoliation for better flowering and fruit yield.
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Systemic Action: Penetrates plant tissues, is translocated, and slowly decomposes into ethylene.
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Versatile Across Crops: Different functions in different crops through a single product.
Ethrel Dosage & Recommended Crops
Crops |
Purpose |
Formulation (ml/acre) |
Dilution in Water (L/acre) |
Solution Preparation |
Time of Application |
Mango |
Breaking alternate bearing tendencies |
308–410 |
600–800 |
5 ml in 10 L water |
First spray in mid-October or early November; total 5 sprays at fortnightly interval |
Flower induction in juvenile mango |
1,538–2,051 |
600–800 |
26 ml in 10 L water |
Commencing from early November; total 5 sprays at weekly interval |
Post-harvest treatment (For Uniform Ripening) |
769–1,026 |
600–800 |
13 ml in 10 L water |
Dip mature fruits in the solution for uniform ripening; one treatment |
Pineapple |
Flower induction |
154–205 |
600–800 |
2.5 ml in 10 L water |
30–37 leaf stage or 10–12 months; one spray |
Coffee (Arabica) |
Uniform ripening of berries |
295–394 |
600–800 |
5 ml in 10 L water |
Fly-picking stage, when 10–15% of berries have ripened; one spray |
Coffee (Robusta) |
Uniform ripening of berries |
86–115 |
600–800 |
2.5 ml in 10 L water |
Fly-picking stage, when 10–15% of berries have ripened; one spray |
Tomato |
Post-harvest treatment (For Uniform Ripening) |
Not specified (dip treatment) |
Not specified |
65 ml in 10 L water |
Post-harvest fruit treatment; dipping only, one treatment |
Rubber |
Increasing latex yield |
Not specified (bark brushing) |
Not specified |
26 ml in 10 L water |
March, August, September, and November (four applications); brush once in two months on the tapping cut of the bark |
Pomegranate |
Defoliation for better flowering and fruit yield |
400–500 |
200 |
2–2.5 ml in 1 L water |
One spray around 1 month before Mrig bahar (June–July), Hast bahar (Oct–Nov), or Ambe bahar (Dec–Jan)
(Waiting period 135 days)
|
Grape |
Defoliation for better flowering and fruit yield |
500–700 |
300 |
2.5 ml in 1 L water |
Not specified on label |
Method of Application: For conventional spraying on field crops, use a high-volume sprayer; the quantity of water varies for low-volume and ultra-low-volume methods. Commonly used equipment includes bucket pump sprayer, strip sprayer, and compression knapsack sprayer.
Best Time to Spray: Apply at the crop stage specified for each use, avoiding spray drifts to nearby crops. Shake well before using and prepare the solution fresh for each application.
Compatibility, Safety & Storage
Tank-Mix Compatibility
Consult an agronomist before tank-mixing with other products. Do not use alkaline water for preparing the spray solution.
Safety Precautions
- Wear gloves while handling and spraying.
- Avoid application during peak sunlight or windy conditions, and avoid spray drift to nearby crops.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the product.
- Wash hands and exposed skin after application.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store away from direct contact with eyes and skin.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry and well ventilated place away from direct sunlight, food, feed, fertilizers and water sources. Keep the product in its original sealed container.
Ethrel Expert Advice
"For best results, use Ethrel application for a crop-specific purpose and timing on the label. Prepare the solution with neutral (non-alkaline) water and avoid drifting onto nearby crops." – BigHaat Agronomy Expert
Additional Information
- For agricultural use only.
- Not to be used on crops other than those specified on this label/leaflet.
- Do not use alkaline water to make the spray solution.
- Follow all crop-specific recommendations mentioned on the product label and accompanying leaflet.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for reference purposes only. Always follow the recommended application guidelines outlined on the product label and accompanying leaflet.
