Ethephon is a plant growth regulator.1,2,3 It increases lipoxygenase activity and growth of rye seedling leaf blades when used at a concentration of 10 mM.1 Ethephon (0.5 mM) increases levels of the plant hormone (+)-abscisic acid and inhibits the shoot growth of cleavers and tomatoes.2 It promotes fruit ripening of pears when used at a concentration of 250 ppm.3 Formulations containing ethephon have been used as plant growth regulators in agriculture.
1.Ievinsh, G.Soluble lipoxygenase activity in rye seedlings as related to endogenous and exogenous ethylene and woundingPlant Science82155-159(1992) 2.Hansen, H., and Grossmann, K.Auxin-induced ethylene triggers abscisic acid biosynthesis and growth inhibitionPlant Physiol.124(3)1437-1448(2000) 3.Edgerton, L.J., and Blanpied, G.D.Regulation of growth and fruit maturation with 2-chloroethanephosphonic acidNature219(5158)1064-1065(1968)