The APVMA has issued a permit (Ethephon (PER92913)) for the use of ethephon for cordon bunch crop removal. This may be relevant to growers who intend to rest their vineyards for the 2022/23 growing season. It is essential that growers read the permit prior to use and comply with all the conditions.
Products to be used:
PROMOTE PLUS 900 GROWTH REGULATOR (APVMA Approval No. 69487)
PLUS OTHER REGISTERED PRODUCTS
Containing: 900 g/L ETHEPHON as their only active constituent
GRO-PHON 720 GROWTH REGULATOR (APVMA Approval No. 88233)
PLUS OTHER REGISTERED PRODUCTS
Containing: 720 g/L ETHEPHON as their only active constituent.
SHARDA ETHEPHON 480 GROWTH REGULATOR (APVMA Approval No. 85488)
PLUS OTHER REGISTERED PRODUCTS
Containing: 480 g/L ETHEPHON as their only active constituent.
RESTRAINT:
DO NOT apply if rain is expected within 8 hours of application.
Directions for use:
| Crop | Purpose | Rate |
| Grapevines used for wine production | Bunch removal | 900 g/L Ethephon products: 40 mL/100 L 720 g/L Ethephon products: 50 mL/100 L 480 g/L Ethephon products: 75 mL/100 L |
Important things to note:
The permit is valid from 3 November 2022 to 30 November 2025.
Critical use comments:
Apply at flowering EL 25, 80% caps off and no later than EL 27.
- Apply via air-blast sprayer.
- Add a registered non-ionic wetter as per the product label.
- Use sufficient spray volume to achieve run-off.
- DO NOT apply more than two applications per crop.
- DO NOT apply less than seven days after the initial treatment.
- Ethephon use in this manner has been shown to reduce crop yields in the following season.
- Thoroughly wash equipment after ethephon application to ensure all residue is removed before use on non-target vines.
- Ethephon is an anti-cholinesterase compound. Repeated minor exposure may have a cumulative poisoning effect. Adhere to all safety directions on the product label.
Withholding period:
Harvest: DO NOT harvest for seven days after last application
Jurisdiction:
ALL states and territories
For more information or to request a copy of the ‘Dog book’, please contact the AWRI helpdesk on (08) 8313 6600 or email helpdesk@awri.com.au.
This information is provided to inform the Australian grape and wine sector and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any product.