How is Epin useful for plants?
First of all, it is important to understand that this is not a medicine or a fertilizer. Epin is not a universal protection for plants; it does not nourish them with additional substances and does not treat them when infected with fungi or viruses.
The benefit of the product lies in its ability to increase the defense capacity of the plant cell to the negative effects of chemical, biological and physical irritants.
In terms of its composition and action, the product belongs to adaptogens, which activate the awakening of the body's reserve forces, awakening dormant cells for subsequent growth and development.
As a result of this impact, resistance to the negative influence of an aggressive external environment increases, which significantly affects the level of productivity. Thus, as a result of treating seeds with a solution before planting, their level of similarity and the amount of harvest increases by 15%.
The main active ingredient of the drug is epibrassinolide. This substance is identical to brassinolides, which are contained in every plant cell and are responsible for cell survival under unfavorable environmental conditions.
Despite the fact that brassinolides are now being extracted from natural raw materials, this is a rather costly process in terms of finances and raw materials. Therefore, synthetic epibrassinolide does not lose popularity.
Advantages and disadvantages of Epin Extra
Advantages
- The drug is harmless to humans and animals, non-phytotoxic.
- It is permissible to use an immunomodulator both in garden plots and at home.
- Provides better survival rate and rooting of crops during transplantation.
- Stimulates growth, abundant flowering, formation of ovaries, rapid ripening of fruits.
- Activates the protective functions of plants.
- Increases the rate of seed germination.
- Increases productivity and its safety.
- Helps remove heavy metals and harmful compounds from plants.
- Helps plantings adapt to new conditions and cope with stress factors.
Flaws
- The active substance of the drug decomposes under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.
- When interacting with an alkali, a neutralization reaction occurs.
Description of the drug
The full name of the drug is 2,4-epibrassinolide. This is a synthetic phytohormone that activates the reserve functions of living cells.
Sold in the form of a solution with a concentration of 0.25 mg of active substance per 1 ml. Packaged in millimeter ampoules for indoor flowers and summer cottages and up to 1 liter for large areas.
Depending on how exactly the mixture is planned to be used, it is important to observe the dosage of the solution. It is important to consider that a lot is not always good and to strictly follow the instructions for using the chemical.
Let's watch a video about what Epin is for plants and how it is used:
Instructions for use
Before you start growing Epin Extra, you must read the instructions for use for seedlings of tomatoes, peppers and other garden crops. The plant treatment product must be diluted following the recommendations.
The biostimulator can be used for soaking seeds, as well as spraying vegetables and flowers during different periods of the growing season.
How to dilute a stimulant
When preparing a working solution for watering or spraying plants, you must wear rubber gloves. The drug should be dosed using a syringe:
- Pure boiled water is poured into the container, the temperature of which is at least 20 degrees. The amount of water depends on the expected flow.
- Using a needle, pierce the ampoule and take the required dose of the product.
- Add as many drops to the water as indicated in the instructions for a specific type of work. To ensure that the biostimulator is completely dissolved, add a little citric acid to the water.
- Stir the nutrient water using a wooden spoon or stick.
The solution must be used within two days. Remains of the plant treatment product can be stored in a dark room (it is destroyed in the light). If after two days the entire solution has not been used up, it is thrown away, since it no longer provides any benefit.
Dosage
Many gardeners are interested in whether it is possible to water flowers and vegetable seedlings with Epin at the root. The instructions clearly indicate that the drug is used only for spraying, that is, foliar feeding.
The biostimulant is used at any stage of the plant’s growing season, including for treating seeds before sowing. The consumption of the drug for individual crops is indicated in the table below.
Comment! After two weeks, the seedlings can again be watered with Epin on the leaves, since during this time it has time to dissolve in the plants.
Timing and methodology
At different stages of the growing season, spraying plants requires a solution of different concentrations, taking into account the dosage so as not to harm the seedlings:
- When 2-4 leaves appear in a liter of water, dilute an ampoule of the drug and spray the seedlings.
- About three hours before diving, the seedlings are treated with Epin: 3 drops of the drug are dissolved in 100 ml of water. Watering helps plants survive stress if the roots have been damaged.
- Before planting the plants in a permanent place, dilute the entire ampoule in 5 liters of water. Sprayed seedlings acclimatize and take root faster; in addition, resistance to late blight and alternaria increases.
- When buds form and the plants begin to bloom, 1 ml of the product is dissolved in a liter of boiled water. Thanks to this spraying, tomatoes and peppers do not drop their flowers, and all ovaries are preserved.
- If there is a threat of frost returning, there is extreme heat, or signs of disease appear, it is necessary to increase the plants’ immunity by treating them with a biostimulant solution several times every two weeks. The ampoule is dissolved in 5 liters of water.
How to use Epin extra for tomatoes
There are several nuances that should be considered before starting work.
So, depending on the purpose of using the chemical, the dosage also differs:
- In order to soak tomato seeds before planting, it is recommended to dilute 3-4 drops of the drug in 0.1 liters of heated water. Let stand for twelve hours, then immediately begin sowing without rinsing;
- To spray seedlings, it is recommended to use a solution of two drops per glass of water. Carry out processing before picking;
- You can spray before planting seedlings in open ground. To do this, one day before transplanting, you need to prepare a concentrated solution of six drops of biostimulant and a glass of water and spray the tomatoes;
- After the formation of the first buds, it is recommended to treat the bushes with a solution of 5 liters of water and one ampoule of Epin.
The last treatment can be carried out in late summer or early September. This will help the last harvest to withstand possible temperature fluctuations as firmly as possible.
Description and characteristics
Epin Extra is an artificial drug created by man. The product has an anti-stress effect. It contains special components that can protect plants from negative environmental influences.
The drug has three All-Russian Exhibition Center medals, as well as a diploma from the Russian Scientific and Technical Society of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. When the Chernobyl accident occurred, this plant biostimulant was used to eliminate the consequences.
Seedlings treated with Epin Extra:
- protected from temperature changes;
- withstands drought or heavy rains;
- survives spring or autumn frosts without much loss;
- gives a higher yield, which ripens earlier than on untreated plants.
Attention!
The biostimulator is used at the entire stage of vegetative development of plants, starting with soaking the seed in both open and protected ground. The biostimulator Epin began to be produced more than 10 years ago. But due to mass counterfeits, it was decided to withdraw it from production. Then an improved remedy appeared. Spraying seedlings with Epin Extra, according to gardeners:
- promotes the development of the root system;
- increases plant resistance;
- reduces the amount of nitrates, nitrites and pesticides in finished products.
Epin Extra is produced in small plastic ampoules of 1 ml or in bottles of 50 and 1000 ml. It has a pronounced alcoholic odor and foams during dilution of the solution, since it contains shampoo.
Warning! If there is no foam, then it is a fake. It is impossible to treat tomatoes, peppers, and flowers with this product; instead of benefiting the plants, it will cause harm.
Many gardeners are interested in how to dilute the preparation for seedlings in drops. So 1 ml corresponds to 40 drops.
How to breed Epin for orchids and violets
Before you start treating delicate plants such as violets and orchids with a biostimulant, it is important to take into account several nuances.
So, first of all:
- The substance should be diluted in a ratio of 0.2 ml per liter of water;
- Do not water the flowers under any circumstances, only spray them;
- Before preparing the solution, it is recommended to check the water for acidity levels; for this, indicator paper is useful, which can be bought at the pharmacy. Water with a slightly acidic reaction, not higher than pH = 6.2-6.8, is considered suitable;
- After processing, it is recommended to place the flowers in a darkened room for a day;
- During planned treatment, it is recommended to apply root fertilizer for flowers several days before spraying; to combat pests, you can spray Epin a day after treatment with the main chemical.
It is recommended to treat only the foliage, since the soil for orchids and violets is quite loose and already contains a sufficient amount of nutrients. The latter simply negates all the positive effects of the drug.
When spraying, it is recommended not to neglect not only the leaves, but also the stems, peduncles and roots. But it is not recommended to spray flowers, just as when replanting, treatment with a biostimulant will be unnecessary.
Violets and orchids are equally beautiful and equally delicate flowers, so compliance with the rules of processing and dosage is a vital aspect that should not be ignored.
Compatibility of Epin Extra with other drugs and fertilizers
The immunomodulator can be combined with biological products, vitamins, growth stimulants, and organic fertilizers.
Epin Extra is strictly incompatible with alkaline substances. If the environment of the added component is unknown, it is recommended to test the compound at small doses. Also, it is impossible to carry out joint processing with boric acid, mix with inorganic acids, fruit vinegars.
Preliminary testing requires mixing the biostimulator with fungicides, since Epin Extra contains an adhesive.
Is it possible to water indoor flowers with Epin?
Watering the soil with any chemical leads to its enrichment with by-products. When applying fertilizers, this is a targeted process of enriching flowers with those nutrients that they lack for normal growth and development. However, it is important to consider that Epin is not a fertilizer.
By stimulating the work of plant cells, the drug is useful when spraying and before planting. This helps to activate seed germination and strengthen foliage and flower stalks.
Since the soil in which indoor flowers grow cannot be absolutely neutral, it already contains enough by-products, watering indoor flowers with a chemical can lead to the development of a chemical reaction that will negatively affect the condition of the plant.
It is important to consider that even with spraying, which will be much more appropriate than direct watering, compliance with the dosage is the main point.
Even a slight deviation from the norm can negatively affect the growth and development of the plant.
Watering indoor plants after planting them in the ground is not advisable, as it can lead to a number of unpleasant consequences.
When spraying, the dosage is important; you can reduce the concentration, but in no case increase it.
Let's watch a video about using Epin-extra for plants:
https://youtu.be/GFPf34SJbJ8
Application for different crops
Following the instructions when feeding plants is the key to a good harvest. Both sick and healthy plants are treated, observing the dosage.
How to use Epin for tomato seedlings
According to reviews, Epin is used to treat tomato seedlings by spraying leaves and shoots at various stages of growing the plant:
- seeds are soaked in solution (2 g per 100 ml);
- for tomato seedlings, use Epin according to the instructions: 0.25 mg per 1000 ml;
- before picking, spray with a mixture of 3 drops of the drug and 1 liter of water;
- to acclimatize tomato seedlings in the soil, they are sprinkled with Epin at the rate of 1 ml per 5 liters of liquid;
- during the period of ovary formation, instructions for treatment are to use 1 ampoule per 1000 ml of water.
Before the spraying procedure, yellowed shoots and leaf plates are removed from the damaged plant.
Important! According to the instructions, it is possible to sprinkle tomatoes both in the open ground and those planted in a greenhouse.
When and how to feed pepper and eggplant seedlings with Epin
Add 4-6 drops of fertilizer to 100 ml of water and place the seeds in the solution for 18-24 hours.
Epin for pepper and eggplant seedlings is used as a way to strengthen plant immunity: crops are treated after transplantation and during the flowering period.
It is recommended to periodically fertilize pepper seedlings with Epin according to the instructions in case of unfavorable weather conditions and signs of fungal infection with blackleg.
When to spray pumpkin seedlings with Epin
The raw materials are pre-treated with a solution of potassium permanganate, and then placed in a solution of a natural stimulant (add 4 drops to 100 ml of water). Exposure time 12–18 hours.
After the appearance of 3 leaves, replanting and flowering, and then every 14 days, the pumpkins are sprayed with a biostimulant according to the instructions: stir 6 drops of fertilizer in 200 ml of water.
Is it possible to water strawberry seedlings with Epin?
Treatment is carried out throughout the entire period of berry cultivation. For a good harvest, strawberry seedlings are kept in Epin (0.5 mg per 1000 ml of liquid), then sprayed 7 days after transplanting into the ground. To do this, the natural stimulant is diluted according to the instructions: 0.25 mg per 5000 ml. At the end of fruiting, the leaf blades are cut off and the bush is sprinkled with concentrate (4 drops per 200 ml).
Epin for cucumber seedlings
The seeds are kept in concentrate (2 drops per 200 ml) for 18 hours, which will ensure good seed germination. Treatment of seedlings is carried out according to the instructions (1 ml of Epin is dissolved in 5000 ml): the foliage is sprayed with a natural stimulant. An adult plant is fed when it is injured or stressed for 10 days: 7 drops of the drug per 300 ml of liquid.
How to use Epin for flower seedlings
It is possible to fertilize petunia seedlings with Epin to strengthen conifers and indoor plants.
According to the instructions, indoor plants are processed in the bathroom with the ventilation turned on. It is prohibited to spray shoots without gloves, a raincoat and a mask. Animals are not allowed in the room during the procedure.
Important! Watering flower seedlings with Epin is done using a spray bottle. The solution should be at room temperature.
Features of use, precautions
One of the main features of Epin, which sets it apart from other drugs, is its good compatibility with other drugs.
So, it can be used simultaneously with vitamins, fertilizers, and growth stimulants. Spray immediately after treatments with insecticides and fungicides.
The only thing that is important to consider when using the drug is its poor compatibility with products with an alkaline reaction. That is why, before mixing the main drug with Epin in a large amount, it is recommended to carry out a preliminary test by mixing the products in a small amount.
This will help determine the level of compatibility of substances and protect the plants. Ideally, when purchasing chemicals, you should clarify in advance what their compatibility is with a specialist.
Since this biostimulant is a chemical drug, failure to take precautions when using it is very dangerous.
So, when working with the solution, it is recommended to pay attention to the following points:
- Processing must be carried out using personal protective equipment;
- Do not drink, smoke or eat while working. During the spraying process, not all of the water dust settles on the foliage; a certain percentage falls on the worker. Its further penetration into the body leads to poisoning, followed by a number of unpleasant symptoms and consequences;
- After work, be sure to thoroughly wash your face, hands with soap, rinse your mouth and nasal cavity.
In addition to proper use, proper storage of the drug is also important. It is recommended to place purchased ampoules in a dry place where the temperature does not fall below +14 C and does not rise above +23 C.
It is recommended to place the product as far as possible from food, out of reach of small children and animals.
Considering the easy flammability of the product, you should not place it near heating devices.
Despite the precautions, this biostimulant cannot be called extremely dangerous. So the drug is absolutely safe for fish and does not lead to soil degradation or death of beneficial insects.
Composition and principle of operation of the biostimulator Epin Extra
Epin Extra is an immunomodulator and plant growth stimulator. Synthesized in laboratory conditions using nanotechnology. The biostimulator accumulates the natural protective forces of plantings and helps increase yield by 10-15%.
The main substance of the biological product Epibrassinolide is an analogue of the brassin hormone produced in small quantities by plants. The phytohormone accelerates cell division and blocks the production of substances that inhibit the growth of crops.
Adaptogen activates enzymatic reactions, normalizes metabolism, improves immunity, helping plantings cope with such stress factors as: sudden temperature changes; drought; frost; transfer; lack of light. At the same time, Epin Extra does not inhibit plants and does not distort their above-ground parts and fruits. The use of the drug promotes the formation of a greater number of ovaries, growth and rapid ripening of fruits.
In addition, the immunomodulator is harmless to people and animals, does not accumulate in plants, but, on the contrary, helps eliminate heavy metals, toxins, and nitrates. The processed fruits can be eaten immediately.
The biostimulator is presented in the form of a concentrated yellowish liquid that requires dilution with water before use. Available in containers of different volumes from 1 ml, which contains about 50 drops.
Expert opinion
Oksana Alexandrovna
A gardener with extensive experience. Vegetable gardening is more than just a hobby for me.
Epin Extra is not a fungicide or insecticide, however, in case of plant disease, it accelerates recovery, increasing its immunity.
Precautionary measures
Instructions for using Epin for seedlings of peppers, tomatoes and other crops require compliance with basic safety precautions:
- It is mandatory to have protective equipment: masks and gloves that do not allow moisture to pass through. If necessary, it is recommended to use glasses or a mask;
- when sprinkling a culture with a natural stimulant, it is forbidden to eat or drink water or smoke;
- Upon completion of all work, wash hands under running hot water and soap. It is recommended to rinse your mouth.
The location of the natural stimulant is a dry, warm room (temperature range between 14-23 ° C). It should not be accessible to children or animals.
According to the instructions, when spraying the crop, you must wear closed clothing, do not spray the stimulant against the wind, and do not wear glasses.
If the biostimulant gets on the mucous membranes of the eyes or mouth, help is immediately provided by specialists. At home, drink a large amount of water and provoke vomiting, or take a soda solution orally (1 tsp per 200 ml of water). The eyes are washed with soapy water.
Important! The drug is not dangerous for insects and bees, pets and fish. Its use does not harm the soil and groundwater.
