Higrow Ethephon 39% SL | Premium Plant Growth Regulator
Unlock the full potential of your harvest with HPM Higrow, the trusted solution for uniform fruit ripening and higher yields.
Higrow (Ethephon 39% SL) is a versatile Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) designed to synchronize your crop's lifecycle with market demands. Unlike traditional fertilizers, Higrow works biologically to trigger natural ripening, flowering, and latex flow. It is the safe, legal, and effective alternative to banned chemicals like Calcium Carbide, ensuring your produce is export-ready and safe for consumption.
Best For: Mango, Pineapple, Coffee, Tomato, Rubber, and Pomegranate farmers looking to maximize profitability and reduce labor costs.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Uniform Ripening: Synchronizes fruit maturity, allowing for "one-pass" harvesting which saves huge labor costs in Coffee and Mango.
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Safe & Legal: A government-approved, non-carcinogenic alternative to Calcium Carbide for post-harvest fruit processing.
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Solving "Off-Years": Induces flowering in Mango trees even during non-bearing years by managing internal hormonal balance.
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Climate Resilience: Helps trigger flowering in Pineapple and other crops even when natural weather cues are erratic.
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Boosts Latex Yield: Increases the flow duration of latex in Rubber trees, significantly improving yield per tapping.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Higrow |
| Technical Name | Ethephon 39% SL |
| Active Ingredient | 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid |
| Chemical Group | Organophosphonate (PGR) |
| Formulation | Soluble Liquid (SL) |
| Toxicity Label | Bright Blue (Moderately Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Higrow works by leveraging the plant's own natural pathways. It acts as a "signal transducer" rather than just a fertilizer.
- Penetration: When sprayed or dipped, the liquid solution penetrates the plant tissue (leaves or fruit peel).
- Activation: Once inside, the plant's natural pH (which is higher than the bottle's acidic pH) causes the Higrow molecule to break down.
- Release: This breakdown releases Ethylene gas directly inside the cells. Ethylene is the natural "ripening hormone" that triggers color change, softening, and flowering.
[Image of ethylene signaling pathway in plants]
Target Crops & Physiological Effects
| Crop | Target Outcome |
|---|---|
| Mango | Breaking alternate bearing (inducing flowering) & Post-harvest ripening. |
| Pineapple | Inducing uniform flowering for scheduled harvest. |
| Coffee | Uniform berry ripening to allow for efficient "fly picking." |
| Rubber | Increasing latex flow duration (Yield booster). |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Litre" strictly. Overdosing can cause leaves to drop (defoliation).
Recommended Dosage Guidelines
| Crop | Purpose | Dose (ml / Litre Water) | Application Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mango | Flower Induction | 1.0 – 2.0 ml | Foliar Spray (Start Nov/Oct) |
| Mango / Tomato | Post-Harvest Ripening | 1.0 – 1.5 ml | Dip Treatment (Mature fruits) |
| Pineapple | Flower Induction | 1.0 – 2.0 ml | Spray into heart (rosette) |
| Coffee | Berry Ripening | 1.0 – 2.5 ml | Foliar Spray at fly-picking stage |
| Rubber | Latex Flow | 2.0 – 2.5 ml | Brush on tapping cut (Mar, Aug, Sep, Nov) |
*Note: For post-harvest dipping, ensure fruits are mature green. Immature fruits will change color but will not ripen internally.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply during cooler parts of the day. Avoid spraying if rain is expected within 4-6 hours.
- Mixing: Do NOT mix with alkaline substances (like Bordeaux mixture). High pH destroys the product instantly.
- Equipment: Use plastic or stainless steel sprayers. Ethephon is corrosive to mild steel and galvanized iron.
- Safety: This product is acidic. Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles) to prevent skin burns and eye irritation. Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Higrow better than Calcium Carbide ("Masala")?
Yes. Calcium Carbide is banned due to carcinogenic risks (arsenic/phosphorus). Higrow is the government-approved, safe standard for fruit ripening.
2. Can I use Higrow on any crop?
No. Only use it on registered crops like Mango, Pineapple, Coffee, Tomato, and Rubber. Using it on leafy vegetables can cause them to rot or yellow instantly.
3. What happens if I overdose?
Overdosing leads to "Phytotoxicity." This can cause severe leaf drop, fruit drop, or drying of the branches. Always stick to the recommended ml/L.
4. Can I store the leftover solution?
No. Once mixed with water, the chemical breakdown starts immediately. Use the mixed solution within a few hours. Keep the concentrated bottle tightly sealed in a cool place.
5. Does it affect the taste of the fruit?
When used on mature fruits, it triggers natural sugar development, resulting in excellent taste and color. If used on immature fruit, the fruit will turn yellow but taste sour.
Safety & Disclaimer
Always read and follow the instructions on the official product label. The information provided here is for guidance only. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) during application. Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin and eye irritation.
