Folcisteine, chemically known as N-acetylthiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, is an organic amino acid derivative. Below is an overview of its properties and applications:

I. Properties

Physical Properties:

At room temperature, folcisteine is a white crystalline powder with a melting point of 142–144°C. It is water-soluble with a solubility of 10% at room temperature, and its aqueous solution is acidic. The relative molecular weight is 175.20, and its molecular formula is C₆H₉NO₃S.

Chemical Properties:

It is stable under neutral and acidic conditions, and also relatively stable under exposure to light and heat.

II. Applications

Agricultural Field:

Folcisteine acts as a plant growth regulator and protector. It promotes root development and influences cellular division and growth in plants, thereby facilitating the synthesis and accumulation of proteins, nucleic acids, and alkaloids. Applied to fruit trees, it encourages branching, accelerates flower bud differentiation, and stimulates fruit expansion. This increases the sugar content, improves fruit quality, and enhances taste. When combined with sodium nitrophenolate for use on cucumbers, it can significantly increase fruit length, weight, and vitamin C content, boosting yields by 24.35%–41.53%.

Medical Field:

Folcisteine has protective effects on myocardial ischemia and may serve as an intermediate compound for ischemia-related treatments. It increases coronary blood flow, shortens recovery time of ischemic ECG changes, and helps prevent myocardial injury, rupture, and necrosis in animal models.

III. Precautions for Use

Scope of Application and Concentration Control:

As a plant growth regulator, folcisteine should be used strictly according to the recommended concentrations for the target crop (e.g., fruit trees or vegetables). Excessive concentrations may lead to growth imbalance (e.g., excessive elongation, deformed fruit), while insufficient concentrations may result in ineffective outcomes. For example, when used with sodium nitrophenolate on cucumbers, it should be diluted according to a specified ratio to ensure precise dosage.

Application Timing and Method:

Apply according to the crop’s growth stage, such as during flower bud differentiation or fruit expansion, to maximize growth promotion and quality improvement. Application methods include foliar spraying and root drenching. For foliar spraying, ensure even coverage on both sides of the leaves to enhance absorption.

Compatibility and Mixing Precautions:

When mixing folcisteine with other pesticides or fertilizers, conduct small-scale compatibility tests first to ensure no antagonistic reactions (e.g., precipitation or inactivation) occur before large-scale use. Avoid direct mixing with strong acids or alkalis to prevent breakdown of chemical stability.

Safety Precautions:

Wear gloves, masks, and other protective equipment during use to avoid skin contact or inhalation of the powder. In case of accidental contact, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water; in case of ingestion, seek medical attention immediately. Thoroughly clean application equipment after use to prevent environmental contamination.

Environmental Conditions:

Avoid application on rainy or windy days to prevent the product from being washed away or drifting, which could reduce efficacy or harm surrounding crops. Avoid use during high temperatures and intense sunlight to prevent rapid evaporation or leaf scorching.

IV. Storage Methods

Storage Environment:

Store folcisteine in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from fire, heat sources, and direct sunlight to prevent degradation or loss of effectiveness. It is recommended to store it at temperatures below 30°C with a relative humidity below 75%.

Packaging Seal:

Keep the original packaging sealed. Do not store it in open containers to avoid moisture absorption, caking, or reaction with airborne impurities. Reseal unused portions promptly in opaque containers to minimize air exposure.

Separate Storage:

Store separately from food, feed, other pesticides, and chemicals to avoid confusion or cross-contamination. Do not store near flammable, explosive, or highly corrosive substances to ensure safety.

Shelf Life Management:

Check and follow the product's shelf life. Expired folcisteine may lose its activity and must be disposed of according to environmental regulations—do not discard it casually.

V. Transportation Guidelines

Transport Vehicles:

Use clean, dry vehicles (e.g., enclosed trucks). Avoid open vehicles to prevent exposure to rain, moisture, or sunlight. Before transport, check that the packaging is intact and not damaged or leaking.

Transport Conditions:

Keep folcisteine away from heat, flames, and corrosive substances during transport. Avoid rough handling or compression to prevent package breakage. During hot seasons, use sunshade measures; in cold seasons, no special insulation is required, but avoid freeze-thaw cycles (especially for liquid formulations).

Safety Compliance:

When transporting folcisteine, comply with regulations for hazardous material transport (if classified as an agrochemical). Carry the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for inspection. Transport personnel should understand the basic characteristics of the product and know how to contain and isolate spills to prevent environmental contamination.

Transport Restrictions:

Do not transport folcisteine during heavy rain, strong winds, or other adverse weather conditions to prevent product loss or environmental pollution. Do not mix or transport it together with food, beverages, or animal feed to ensure safety.