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The greatest source of ethylene in the greenhouse, in principle is the crop, although the crop itself never produces a harmful amount of ethylene. A harmful amount occurs when also other sources produce ethylene. The most common sources are:

• Not properly functioning or insufficiently ventilated heaters
• Exhaust gases of combustion engines like the boiler or ketel or CHP
• Leaking gaspipes
• Cigarette smoke
• Rotting plant material

Ethylene is harmful for the crop, but in principle it is not hazardous to the health of humans. What is harmful to the health is a high content of carbon monoxide, which often results from an increased concentration of ethylene.  

Too high an amount of ethylene can as such cause damage. For example, necrosis or chlorosis may arise on the leaf, accelerated aging of flowers takes place too fast, which makes the flowers wilt, deformation of leaves and/or flowers can take place and growth can be impeded. 
Not every crop will react in the same way to an excess of ethylene. The reaction depends on different factors, including the concentration of ethylene, the duration of the exposure and the greenhouse temperature. In addition every kind of plant is different and also there are differences in growth stages.

In order to prevent buds or flowers from dropping or deterioration of the shelf life, you can apply Ethylene Buster. This is an anti-ethylene product with the active ingrediënt 1-MCP. The agent is sprayed into an enclosed space as a result of which the gas attaches to the ethylene receptors. As a result, flowers stay fresh longer and also plants have a longer shelf life. Ethylene Buster can be used for various applications:

• Floricultural crops: Ethylene Buster is used to enhance the opening of the buds and life in the vase. In addition, premature wilting or dropping of buds, leaf and flowers is being prevented. 
• Tulip bulbs: Ethylene Buster is applied to prevent damage by ethylene, for example adhesion (blended scales). 

For both application Ethylene Buster must be applied immediately after the harvest. Furthermore it is important to carry out the treatment in an airtight storage space. Assess here whether your crop is sensitive to ethylene.

Always first check if the treatment area is well close and if the internal ventilation is on. The product consists of one strip containing 10 tablets with an activator. Carry out the following steps when you want to apply Ethylene Buster:

1. Open the bag and leave the vessel with the active solution in the foam block. The remove the cap;
2. Take the packaging with two blue active tablets from the foam block; 
3. Place the two tablets in the overturned cap. Note: always use two tablets;
4. Take the correct green Ethylene Buster from the blister package (see table below)
5. Place the green tablets in the overturned cap, next to the two blue tablets;
6. Pull the sealing film from the vessel with the active solution. Make sure that you do not spill any active solution;
7. Add both colors to the vessel with the active solution;
8. Screw the cap back on again;
9. Place the vessel with active solution into the foam block on a stable and even surface. For example on the floor of the space;
10. Finally you close the door within 2 minutes and keep it closed for at least 4 hours for flowers and 12 hours for tulip bulbs. Always keep the internal ventilation on for good air circulation.  

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