Commercial la-boratories that perform capsicum quality analyses are listed in table 1. A cultivar's potential for high yield and quality is only realized under optimal crop management practices. Fertilization and irrigation practices should be timed to slow crop growth before the first frost to enhance fruit color development and to promote fruit dry-down. Fruit on any one plant will vary in maturity from partially dried pods set early in the season to succulent green pods set late in the season. Ethephon will not ripen immature fruit and can reduce yields if applied too early.
Temperature can greatly affect the activity of ethephon.
Use higher concentrations under conditions of cool temperatures or dense foliage, but lower rates at warmer temperatures. Harvest fruit 2-3 weeks after ethephon treatment. Fruit from ethephon treated fields should never be used as a seed source. Addresses for the American Spice Trade Association and some commercial laboratories that provide quality analyses for capsicums. American Spice Trade Assoc.