Ethephon can modulate plant growth and metabolism by releasing ethylene from root, bloom, fruit, legume and other tissues. It can accelerate maturation for fruit and vegetable. Also used as post-harvest ripening agent.

Toxicology: WHO Table 5, EPA Π3. Acute oral LD50 for rats 3030mg a.i./kg. Acute dermal LD50 for rabbits 1560mg a.i./kg. Irritating to skin and eyes. In a 2 years feeding trial, rats receiving <3000 mg/kg/d diet showed no increase in carcinoma. Acute oral LD50 for bobwhite quail 1000mg/kg. Fish LC50 (96 hr) for bluegill sunfish 300mg/l, rainbow trout 350mg/l, daphnia EC50 (48 hrs) >500 mg/l. Non-toxic to bees and earthworm at normal dosage.