While searching for information about laurel, I came across a recommendation to soak hard-to-germinate seeds in Epin. Naturally, this raised questions about Epin’s composition, safety, and effectiveness.
First, a bit of chemistry. Epin consists of epibrassinolide, a conditionally non-toxic substance. It is classified as a brassinosteroid.
Brassinosteroid is a phytohormone that ensures the plant’s immune system functions normally under stressful conditions—frost, drought, diseases, and more. It’s a phyto-steroid and adaptogen that increases resistance and acts as a growth stimulant.
The enzyme is present in every plant cell in microscopic doses.
Epibrassinolide, which is used in Epin, is synthesized artificially and is identical to the natural phytohormone. According to the manufacturer, Epin reduces the accumulation of heavy metals and radionuclides in the affected areas of plants when treated with Epin. Additionally, the product protects plants from infections and can be a pesticide alternative.
I won’t write out the usage instructions here since they are thoroughly detailed on the packaging.
I found a testimonial where Epin protected strawberries from damping-off disease (for me, this is enemy number one). However, the reviewer insists that treatment must be conducted daily for the plant’s entire life, not as per the official instructions.
The prepared Epin solution is viable for no longer than 2 days.
Here’s another tip: conduct spraying in areas without direct sunlight, as the product breaks down under ultraviolet light.
Experienced gardeners also point to drawbacks of using Epin: plants quickly become accustomed to the product, and their cells stop producing their own phyto-steroids. There is a sort of alternative to Epin— Zircon .
The precautions for working with Epin are somewhat concerning: use gloves, wash your hands and rinse your mouth after application, and either burn the container or wash it with bleach…
Whether or not to use this stimulant—it’s up to you.
