It is best used in an intensive management system where high yields are planned and lodging is more apt to be a problem. It is beneficial on those fields with a history of lodging problems for wheat and barley, except where lodging is caused by stems weakened by diseases such as sharp eyespot and stem rust. When it is properly used in a high yield production system, ethephon application can prevent yield and harvest losses associated with lodged wheat or barley. Precautions for Ethephon Use The first and most important precaution on the use of any agricultural chemical is to read the product label before applying the material on crops. All of the use warnings and appropriate application procedures are written there.
Caution is advised when considering an ethephon application on wheat or barley.
Plants which are under environmental stress should not be treated because ethephon application increases the stress on the plants. This may lead to yield reductions from the plant growth regulator application. Following is a list of precautions for application of ethephon on wheat and barley. Do not apply ethephon to crops already lodged, severely infected with diseases, or damaged by insects. Do not apply ethephon to crops under severe moisture stress.