ethephons
/ˈɛθəfɑnz/
noun
- A chemical compound used as a plant growth regulator, especially to promote ripening of fruit.
- The use of ethephons is regulated to ensure safe levels on food crops.
- Ethephons break down into ethylene inside the plant, which triggers ripening.
- Farmers spray ethephons on apples to help them ripen evenly before harvest.