Ethephon, when used correctly, can help cotton bolls mature 7 to 10 days earlier, increase yield by 6.4% to 10.2%, and boost income by 26 to 40 yuan per mu. However, it is important to follow these guidelines to ensure optimal results:
1. **Check Effectiveness**
Before using ethylene-releasing agents, verify their quality. Ethephon comes in two forms: water-based and oil-based. To test its effectiveness, pour a small amount on a concrete surface. If it foams well, it is likely effective. If a precipitate forms, warm the liquid with 70–80°C water, shake it, and dissolve the sediment before use. This will not affect its performance.
2. **Acidic Nature**
Ethephon is acidic and degrades quickly in alkaline conditions. Therefore, avoid mixing it with alkaline pesticides or using it with water from pits or ponds that may be alkaline. Ethephon releases ethylene gas at pH 3.8 or higher, so after dilution, the pH may change. Always use it immediately after mixing, as delayed use can reduce its effectiveness.
3. **Choose the Right Field**
Apply ethephon to fields with vigorous growth, late maturity, or intercropped cotton. Avoid using it on normal-growing cotton or fields showing signs of early aging, as this could lead to premature wilting and lower yields. It is also not recommended for seedling plots, as it may reduce germination rates.
4. **Timing is Key**
Ethephon works best when temperatures are above 20°C. High-temperature and dry weather can enhance its effect. The ideal time is about 20 days before frost, when 80% of the cotton has formed bolls, typically between 40–45 days after flowering. Spray when the temperature is above 20°C. If rain occurs within 12 hours, reapply. In the Huanghuai region, spraying around October 5 is most effective.
5. **Proper Concentration**
For general cotton fields, mix 100–150 grams of the concentrate with 60 kg of water, resulting in a 0.15% to 0.25% solution. For more vigorous or overgrown fields, you may increase the concentration slightly, but do not exceed 0.3%.
6. **Spray Technique**
Apply ethephon once in mid to late September, targeting the middle and lower bolls. A second application should be done in early October, focusing on the lower bolls that are opening. Since ethephon is absorbed slowly, it’s important to spray directly on the bolls. Remove any already opened bolls before spraying to prevent contamination and maintain cotton quality.
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