Page 1 of 7 S-Abscisic acid, (S-ABA)

 Grape - Soluble Granule - Use Label

ProToneTM SG

Plant Growth Regulator

SOLUBLE GRANULE

S-Abscisic Acid (20.0%)

FOR USE ON 

GRAPES

Active Ingredient

S-Abscisic Acid ....................................................................................................... 20.0% w/w

Other Ingredients...................................................................................................... 80.0% w/w

Total......................................................................................................................... 100.0% w/w

ProToneTM SG contains a total of 20 g of S-Abscisic acid (S-ABA) in 100 g of product. S-Abscisic acid, 

commonly known as S-ABA, is a naturally occurring growth regulator found in plants. Application of 

ProToneTM SG (S-ABA) to grape berries causes enhanced coloration of the berries.

This container will treat 0.6 acres when applied at the maximum label rate. 

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

CAUTION

See next panel for First Aid Information.

EPA Registration No. 73049-UAR

EPA Establishment No. 33762-IA-001

This label must be in the possession of the user at the time of pesticide application. 

Permittee:

Valent BioSciences Corporation

870 Technology Way

Libertyville, IL 60048

1-847-968-4700

Net Weight: 1.65 lb. (750 grams) 
 Page 2 of 7 S-Abscisic acid, (S-ABA)

 Grape - Soluble Granule - Use Label

FIRST AID

If in eyes  Hold eye open and rinse slowly and gently with water for 15-20 

minutes.

 Remove contact lenses, if present, after the first 5 minutes, then 

continue rinsing eye.

 Call a poison control center or doctor for treatment advice. 

HOT LINE NUMBER

Have the product container or label with you when calling a poison control center or doctor, or going 

for treatment. You may also call toll-free 1-800-892-0099 (24 hours) for emergency medical treatment 

and/or transport emergency information. For all other information, call 1-847-968-4700.

PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

HAZARDS TO HUMANS & DOMESTIC ANIMALS

CAUTION: Causes moderate eye irritation. Avoid contact with eyes or clothing. 

Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating, drinking, 

chewing gum, using tobacco or using the toilet. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Applicators and other handlers must wear:

 Long-sleeved shirt and long pants.

 Shoes plus socks.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning/maintaining PPE. If no such 

instructions for washables, use detergent and hot water. Keep and wash PPE separately 

from other laundry.

User Safety Recommendations

Users should:

 Wash hands before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco or using the toilet

 Remove clothing/PPE immediately if pesticide gets inside. Then wash thoroughly 

and put on clean clothing.

 Remove PPE immediately after handling this product. As soon as possible, wash 

thoroughly and change into clean clothing. 
 Page 3 of 7 S-Abscisic acid, (S-ABA)

 Grape - Soluble Granule - Use Label

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

Do not apply directly to water, or to areas where surface water is present or to intertidal 

areas below the mean high water mark. Do not contaminate water when disposing of 

equipment wash-water or rinsate. 

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with the terms 

of the Label. Do not apply this product in a way that will contact workers or other 

persons, either directly or through drift. Only protected handlers may be in the area 

during application. For any requirements specific to your State or Tribe, consult the State 

or Tribal agency responsible for pesticide regulation.

AGRICULTURAL USE REQUIREMENTS

Use this product only in accordance with its labeling and with the Worker Protection 

Standard, 40 CFR Part 170. This Standard contains requirements for the protection of 

agricultural workers on farms, forests, nurseries, and greenhouses, and handlers of 

agricultural pesticides. It contains requirements for training, decontamination, notification, 

and emergency assistance. It also contains specific instructions and exceptions pertaining to 

the statements on this label about personal protective equipment (PPE), and restricted-entry

interval. The requirements in this box only apply to uses of this product that are covered by 

the Worker Protection Standard.

Do not enter or allow worker entry into treated areas during the restricted entry interval 

(REI) of 4 hours.

PPE required for early entry to treated areas that is permitted under the Worker Protection 

Standard and that involves contact with anything that has been treated, such as plants, soil, 

or water is:

 Long-sleeved shirt and long pants (or Coveralls).

 Chemical resistant gloves (made of any waterproof material).

 Shoes plus socks.
 Page 4 of 7 S-Abscisic acid, (S-ABA)

 Grape - Soluble Granule - Use Label

GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR USE ON GRAPES

Use only as directed. Read the label thoroughly and make sure it is understood before 

making applications. ProToneTM SG improves red color development in grapes.

Application instructions:

 On grapes, S-ABA is known to accelerate and enhance the red color development 

of grape berries depending on cultivar, vineyard conditions, and growing region. 

One or more of the following benefits is often associated with treatment with SABA: improved fruit quality as a result of enhanced fruit color, earlier harvest, 

improved harvest management, and improved pack-out yield. 

 In most cases color development resulting from ProToneTM application will be 

visible five to seven days after application. 

 Undesired effects can result from any deviations from the label directions in the 

rates, timings, water volumes, or the adoption of untested spray mixes, when 

applying ProToneTM SG. 

 To prepare the treatment solution, add the required amount ProToneTM SG to a 

spray tank about half-filled with water. Agitate while bringing the total volume 

of water to the required level. Mix thoroughly with agitation and bypass 

circulation to completely dissolve the ProToneTM SG, and then add surfactant. 

Discard any unused treatment solution at the end of each day following local, 

state or federal law.

 Use a non-ionic surfactant at the final adjuvant concentration directed by the 

adjuvant manufacturer. Use of an adjuvant will improve wetting and coverage 

of the grape bunches.

 Increased coloration of grape berries has been achieved with bunch directed 

sprays applied by calibrated commercial spray equipment. Apply ProToneTM

SG in a sufficient amount of water to ensure uniform, thorough, but not 

excessive coverage of the grape bunches. Product efficacy requires that all 

bunches, and berries within bunches, receive thorough and complete coverage. 

Adjust spray volumes to achieve thorough coverage based on vine size, spacing, 

trellis system, vine canopy, and spray equipment. 

 Best results will be achieved from applications during the cooler parts of the 

day or night, avoiding the hottest period of the day. To maximize absorption 

and optimize product effectiveness, apply ProToneTM SG under slow drying

conditions, e.g. early in the morning, in the evening or night (coolest daily 

temperatures, medium to high relative humidity, and no wind). Do not make 

applications during the day or early evening when the fruit is still hot. 
 Page 5 of 7 S-Abscisic acid, (S-ABA)

 Grape - Soluble Granule - Use Label

 ProToneTM SG can enhance the red color of grape cultivars that have difficulty

developing color and helps increase red color of grapes grown in poor coloring 

areas. However, under very poor color development conditions (e.g. excessively

hot day and night temperatures, heavy crop load, poor growing conditions) 

application of ProToneTM SG may not give adequate red color development. 

Serious consideration is to be given, on a block-by-block basis, to any vineyard 

conditions (elevation, sun exposure, soil texture, growing condition, prevailing or 

anticipated weather patterns such as high temperature, drought or flood 

conditions, nutrient levels) or production practices (vine size, vine spacing, vine 

canopy, crop load, trellis system, pruning) that impact fruit color development.

 Under conditions where red color development of grapes is good, (e.g. growing 

areas with a history of good red color development, years in which there is good 

red color development, cultivars that already develop sufficient red color), 

application of ProToneTM SG will not provide significant additional red color or 

advance the harvest period. 

 Do not apply ProToneTM SG to plants or fruit under stress (e.g. heat, water, 

disease, insect and nutrient). Injured or stressed plants or fruit will show a 

reduced response to ProToneTM SG.

 Do not overhead irrigate treated plants for at least 6 hours following application 

of ProToneTM SG.

 Do not apply ProToneTM SG if rain is expected within 6 hours of application.

 The proper application timing of ProToneTM SG is important to product 

performance. When applying ProToneTM SG, deviations from the label directions 

in the rates, timings, water volumes, or the use of untested spray mixes, may

produce undesired results. 

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

Compatibility and performance data for ProToneTM SG with other agricultural 

products is not available. Do not mix with other agricultural products except a nonionic surfactant.
 Page 6 of 7 S-Abscisic acid, (S-ABA)

 Grape - Soluble Granule - Use Label

APPLICATIONS, RATES, AND TIMINGS

 GRAPES

CROP OBJECTIVE 

/ BENEFIT

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Grapes 

(Table Grapes, 

Juice Grapes, 

Wine Grapes)

Enhanced red 

coloration of 

grapes.

 

Contact Valent 

BioSciences 

Corporation for 

more 

information.

Apply ProToneTM within the period from 1 week before 

veraison (50 percent of the target fruit has softened) until 

anticipated harvest of target fruit. Application timing varies 

depending on the cultivar, vineyard conditions, and grower 

objectives. 

Spray Applications:

Apply 75 to 250 g of S-ABA per acre as a spray solution in a 

sufficient volume to achieve uniform and complete coverage 

of the grape bunches. In most cases 75 g S-ABA (one-half 

bottle of ProToneTM 20 SG) to 150 g S-ABA (one bottle of 

ProToneTM 20 SG) per acre per application will provide good 

results. In situations where greater color development is 

desired, the higher S-ABA rate should be used. 

Early timing:

First application should be made between 1 week before 

veraison and 3 weeks after veraison. A single application 

made during this period has been shown to be effective to 

enhance grape berry color.

 

Late timing:

If additional color development is desired, up to three (3)

applications of ProToneTM SG can be used. Multiple 

applications are expected to improve color on cultivars for 

which there is an extended period between veraison and 

harvest

Apply to marketable clusters with significant green color. Fruit 

may need to remain on the vine for 2 to 3 additional weeks for 

harvestable color to develop. Fruit must be firm at time of 

application with the potential to remain firm until harvest.

Application:

Use bunch directed sprays that achieve thorough wetting of the fruiting zone. Bunches need to receive 

uniform and complete coverage without runoff. The spray volume required will depend on the trellis 

system, the vine canopy size and management, and commercial spray equipment used. Spray volumes 

ranging from 80 – 200 gallons/A have been shown to be effective when applied under slow drying 

conditions. 

Use of Adjuvants: 

Use a non-ionic surfactant at the final surfactant concentration directed by the surfactant manufacturer 

to improve wetting and coverage of grape bunches. 
 Page 7 of 7 S-Abscisic acid, (S-ABA)

 Grape - Soluble Granule - Use Label

Determining Optimal Rates: Optimal ProToneTM SG rates will vary according to 

the desired color effect, growing conditions & practices, application technique, 

environmental conditions, variety & cultivar, plant vigor, vine canopy and crop load. 

Different varieties or cultivars of the same species may respond differently to 

ProToneTM SG. With increasing temperature and lower humidity consider using the 

higher rates within the range given in the application rates, remembering not to apply

to plants that are already under stress. 

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL

Do not contaminate water, food or feed by storage or disposal.

Pesticide Storage

Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Store product in a cool and dry place. Avoid 

extended storage conditions at temperatures above 25°C (77°F). Avoid exposure of product 

to light

Pesticide Disposal

To avoid waste, use all material in this container by application according to label 

directions. If waste cannot be avoided, offer remaining product to a waste disposal facility

or pesticide disposal program (often such programs are run by state or local governments or 

by industry).

Container Handling

Nonrefillable container. Do not reuse or refill this container. Triple rinse container (or 

equivalent) promptly after emptying. Triple rinse as follows: Empty the remaining contents 

into application equipment or a mix tank. Fill the container 1⁄4 full with water and recap. 

Shake for 10 seconds. Pour rinsate into application equipment or a mix tank or store rinsate 

for later use or disposal. Drain for 10 seconds after the flow begins to drip. Repeat this 

procedure two more times. Offer for recycling, if available or puncture and dispose of the 

container in a sanitary landfill, or by other procedures approved by state and local 

authorities.

Warranty and Disclaimer Statement:

To the fullest extent permitted by law, seller makes no warranty, express or implied, of 

merchantability, fitness or otherwise concerning use of this product other than as 

indicated on the label. User assumes all risks of use, storage or handling not in strict 

accordance with accompanying directions.

Valent BioSciences Corp. ©2009