Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 15: The Horticulture Department has banned the sale of pesticide Ethephon in J&K. The pesticide is widely being used as plant growth regulator and for ripening of fruits.
“Keeping in view the hazardous and deleterious effects associated with the use of Ethephon on fruit and plant health, especially on apple, besides its harmful effects on human health as reported by SKUAST-K and Director Enforcement and their recommendations for its restricted use in Horticulture sector, it has been decided to ban the use of Ethephon on apple and impose restrictions on the sale and use of Ethephon (Ethephon 39% SL and 10% paste) in the State,” states the order issued by the Secretary to the Government, Horticulture Department, M H Malik here today.
The mostly used compound Ethephon, if used continuously year after year, may render the tree unproductive and also reduce the economic life of the plant. Ethylene treated fruits consumed immediately after the application results in dehydration due to its diarrheal properties. Therefore, Ethephon treated fruits are not recommended for consumption immediately after its application, the order said.
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