Crystal EP-50 Plant Growth Regulator - Ethephon 39% SL for Uniform Ripening & Yield

Crystal EP-50 is a plant growth regulator (PGR) containing Ethephon 39% SL, a trusted formulation used by farmers across India to improve fruit quality, manage flowering, and increase crop yield. Manufactured by Crystal Crop Protection, this product is widely used on crops like mango, pineapple, coffee, tomato, rubber, and cucurbits. EP-50 works by releasing ethylene inside the plant, a natural plant hormone that triggers key growth and ripening processes.

When applied, EP-50 is quickly absorbed by the plant and breaks down to release ethylene in a controlled manner. This ethylene stimulates specific responses depending on the crop and its growth stage — from breaking alternate bearing cycles in mango to inducing uniform flowering in pineapple, promoting even ripening of coffee berries, and enhancing latex flow in rubber trees. The result is better quality produce with attractive colour, uniform maturity, and higher market value.

EP-50 offers farmers a safe, economical, and practical way to manage plant growth without relying on manual or unpredictable methods. Whether you want to bring juvenile mango trees into early flowering, ensure your coffee harvest ripens together, or improve the post-harvest ripening of tomatoes, EP-50 provides a reliable solution. Its liquid formulation (SL) makes it easy to measure, mix, and apply through standard spraying equipment.

Key Benefits

• Uniform fruit ripening — Ensures fruits ripen evenly with better colour, making them more attractive in the market and fetching higher prices.
• Breaks alternate bearing in mango — Helps mango trees produce fruit every year instead of every alternate year, improving long-term farm income.
• Induces flowering in juvenile plants — Stimulates early flowering in young mango and pineapple plants, helping them start fruit production sooner.
• Increases rubber latex yield — Promotes better latex flow in rubber trees, leading to higher rubber production per tapping.
• Uniform ripening of coffee berries — Helps Arabica and Robusta coffee berries ripen at the same time, making harvesting easier and more efficient.
• Post-harvest ripening control — Allows controlled ripening of mangoes and tomatoes after harvest, reducing spoilage and improving market timing.
• Easy to apply liquid formulation — The SL (Soluble Liquid) formulation mixes easily with water and can be applied with standard spray equipment.

How It Works

Crystal EP-50 contains Ethephon 39% SL, a chemical compound that belongs to the ethylene generator group. When sprayed on the plant, Ethephon is absorbed through the leaves, stems, or fruit surface. Once inside the plant tissues, it breaks down slowly to release ethylene — a natural plant hormone that plants produce on their own during certain growth stages.

Ethylene is a key regulator of many plant processes including fruit ripening, flower induction, leaf senescence, and latex flow. By supplying ethylene externally through EP-50, farmers can trigger these processes at the right time and in a controlled manner. For example, in mango, ethylene helps break the dominance of alternate bearing cycles. In pineapple, it stimulates uniform flower initiation. In coffee, it promotes even ripening of berries across the plant. In rubber, it stimulates the flow of latex from the tapping panel.

Because EP-50 releases ethylene gradually inside the plant, the effect is steady and lasts long enough to achieve the desired result. The product works systemically — it moves within the plant after absorption — making it effective even when applied to only part of the plant.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Product Name	Crystal EP-50 Plant Growth Regulator
Brand	Crystal Crop Protection
Technical Content	Ethephon 39% SL
Formulation Type	SL (Soluble Liquid)
Chemical Group	Ethylene Generator
CAS Number	16672-87-0
Mode of Action	Penetrates plant tissues and decomposes to release ethylene
Classification	Chemical Plant Growth Regulator
Packaging Sizes Available	100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, 1 L

Recommended Dosage & Application

The dosage of EP-50 varies depending on the crop and the specific purpose of application. Below is the complete dosage guide based on verified data:

Crop	Purpose	Dosage per Acre
Mango	Breaking alternate bearing	308-410 ml per acre
Mango	Flower induction in juvenile plants	1538-2015 ml per acre
Mango	Post-harvest treatment	769-1026 ml per acre
Pineapple	Flower induction	154-205 ml per acre
Coffee - Arabica	Uniform ripening of berries	295-394 ml per acre
Coffee - Robusta	Uniform ripening of berries	86-115 ml per acre
Tomato	Post-harvest treatment	65 ml in 10 litres of water
Rubber	For yielding rubber latex	26 ml in 10 litres of water

Note: For tomato and rubber, the dosage is given per 10 litres of water (not per acre). For other crops, the dosage is per acre. Always use clean water for mixing and apply as a foliar spray or as recommended for the specific crop purpose.

When to Use

The timing of EP-50 application depends on the crop and the desired outcome:

• Mango (Alternate bearing): Apply during the off-year or when the tree shows signs of heavy vegetative growth instead of flowering. The higher dose range (308-410 ml/acre) is used for mature trees needing cycle correction.
• Mango (Flower induction in juvenile plants): Apply to young mango trees that have not yet started flowering. This is a higher dose treatment (1538-2015 ml/acre) to stimulate early flowering and fruiting.
• Mango (Post-harvest): Apply after harvest to manage ripening of harvested fruits. Use 769-1026 ml per acre for dip or spray treatment on harvested fruits.
• Pineapple: Apply when plants have reached the right vegetative size for flower induction. Use 154-205 ml per acre to trigger uniform flowering across the field.
• Coffee (Arabica & Robusta): Apply when berries are approaching maturity to promote uniform ripening. This makes harvesting easier and improves bean quality.
• Tomato (Post-harvest): Apply to harvested tomatoes to control and speed up ripening as needed for market timing.
• Rubber: Apply to the tapping panel area to stimulate latex flow during tapping operations.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Read the label: Before use, carefully read the product label for crop-specific instructions and precautions.
2. Measure the correct dose: Use the dosage table above to measure the exact quantity needed for your crop and purpose. Use a clean measuring cup.
3. Mix with water: Add the measured quantity of EP-50 to the recommended amount of clean water. Stir well until fully mixed.
4. Prepare spray solution: For foliar application, fill the spray tank halfway with water, add the mixed solution, then top up with water. Shake or stir well.
5. Apply at the right time: Spray early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Avoid spraying in direct sunlight or when rain is expected.
6. Ensure good coverage: Spray evenly on the target plant parts — leaves, fruits, or stems — depending on the crop and purpose. Ensure thorough coverage for best results.
7. Clean equipment: After application, rinse all spray equipment thoroughly with clean water. Do not pour leftover solution into water bodies.
8. Post-application care: For post-harvest treatments, ensure treated fruits are kept in well-ventilated conditions for controlled ripening.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear gloves, mask, and protective clothing during mixing and application to avoid skin contact and inhalation.
• Avoid contact: Do not allow the spray solution to come in contact with eyes, skin, or clothing. In case of contact, wash immediately with plenty of clean water.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, food, feed, and drinking water. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: Dispose of empty containers and unused product according to local regulations. Do not reuse containers for storing food or water.
• Environmental safety: Avoid spray drift to nearby water bodies, non-target crops, and areas where beneficial insects are active.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or applying the product. Wash hands and face thoroughly after use.

PHI / REI & Storage

• Shelf life: 2 years from the date of manufacture when stored in original, unopened container under recommended conditions.
• Storage conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture. Keep container tightly closed when not in use.