The information in this profile may be out-of-date. It was last revised in 1996. EXTOXNET no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.

Please visit the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) to find updated pesticide fact sheets. If you don't find a fact sheet related to your question, feel free to call 1-800-858-7378. NPIC is open five days a week from 8:00am to 12:00pm Pacific Time.





E X T O X N E T

Extension Toxicology Network

Pesticide Information Profiles

A Pesticide Information Project of Cooperative Extension Offices of Cornell University, Oregon State University, the University of Idaho, and the University of California at Davis and the Institute for Environmental Toxicology, Michigan State University. Major support and funding was provided by the USDA/Extension Service/National Agricultural Pesticide Impact Assessment Program.

EXTOXNET primary files maintained and archived at Oregon State University

Revised 9/95.


ETHEPHON


TRADE OR OTHER NAMES: The active ingredient ethephon is found in a variety of commercial herbicides. Trade names for products containing ethephon include Arvest, Bromeflor, Etheverse, Flordimex, Flordimex T-Extra, Cerone, Etherel, Chipco Florel Pro and Prep (223, 316).

REGULATORY STATUS: Ethephon is a general use pesticide (GUP). Check with specific state regulations for local restrictions that may apply. Products containing ethephon carry the Signal Words "Danger", "Warning", or "Caution" depending on the product (223).

CHEMICAL CLASS: organic phosphorus compound / ethylene generator / plant growth regulator

INTRODUCTION: Ethephon is a plant growth regulator. Its use varies with plant species, chemical concentration, and time of application. Ethephon regulates phases of plant growth and development by application to various growth sites (1). It is currently registered in the U.S. for use on apples, barley, blackberries, bromeliads, cantaloupes, cherries, coffee, cotton, cucumbers, grapes, guava, macadamia nuts, ornamentals, peppers, pineapples, rye, squash, sugarcane, tobacco, tomatoes, walnuts, wheat, etc. (1, 223, 207). Ethephon's mode of action acts via liberation of ethylene, which is absorbed by the plant and interferes in the growth process (1). It is also used in the acceleration of ripening of fruits and vegetables (302). Ethephon comes in RTU (ready-to-use), emulsifiable concentrate and aqueous solution formulations (223, 316). It may also be used in combination with Terpal (with mepiquat-chloride) and Terpal C (chlormequat-chloride) (223).

TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS

ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND GUIDELINES

Physical Properties:

Exposure Guidlines:

BASIC MANUFACTURER:

Rhone-Poulenc
P.O. Box 120142
T.W. Alexander Drive
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

REFERENCES

References for the information in this PIP can be found in Reference List Number 10


DISCLAIMER: The information in this profile does not in any way replace or supersede the information on the pesticide product label/ing or other regulatory requirements. Please refer to the pesticide product label/ing.