5 October 2023
The APVMA has updated an existing permit (Ethephon (PER92913)) for the use of ethephon for cordon bunch crop removal. This new permit allows for a higher rate of ethephon to be applied once. Research has shown this rate to be effective at reducing yield when applied in the period between growth stages E-L 25 and E-L 27. This may be relevant to growers who intend to rest their vineyards for the 2023/24 growing season. It is essential that growers read the permit prior to use and comply with all the conditions.
To improve the effectiveness of an ethephon application for yield reduction, the following additional points should be considered:
- Coverage is important – for best results, apply a dilute spray rate
- Target the bunch zone if appropriate
- Timing is important – target fruit set (E-L 27)
- Performance is best at warm temperatures (over 17°C).
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 eight hours of application.
Directions for use:
| Crop | Purpose | Rate |
| Grapevines used for wine production | Bunch removal | 900 g/L Ethephon products: 104 mL/100 L 720 g/L Ethephon products: 130 mL/100 L 480 g/L Ethephon products: 190 mL/100 L |
Important things to note:
The permit is valid from 3 November 2022 to 31 October 2026.
Critical use comments:
- Apply at flowering E-L 25, 80% caps off and no later than E-L 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 one application per crop.
- 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.
Acknowledgement
This work is supported by Wine Australia, with levies from Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers and matching funds from the Australian Government. The AWRI is a member of the Wine Innovation Cluster in Adelaide, South Australia.