Forchlorfenuron is plant growth regulator and cytokinin; can be used to increase fruit size of fruits, such as kiwi fruit and grapes.
Forchlorfenuron is a plant growth regulator, applied extensively to increase kiwifruit size and weight. Cytotoxicity of forchlorfenuron and its metabolites are tested through Sulforhodamine B assays against CHO cells. Forchlorfenuron exhibits significant cytotoxicity against CHO cells with an IC50 of 12.12±2.14 μM[1]. The half-lives offorchlorfenuron were 15.8-23.0 days, the final residues of forchlorfenuron in pulp were all ≤0.002 mg/kg, and most of the residues were concentrated in the peel. The risk assessment revealed that no significant potential health risk would be induced by forchlorfenuron in citrus fruits. Therefore, it could be safe to apply forchlorfenuron in citrus fruits[2].
[1]. Zhang Z, et al. Identification, synthesis, and safety assessment of forchlorfenuron (1-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-3-phenylurea) and its metabolites in kiwifruits. J Agric Food Chem. 2015 Mar 25;63(11):3059-66. [2]. Chen W, et al. Dissipation and residue of forchlorfenuron in citrus fruits. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2013 Jun;90(6):756-60.