Antitranspirants increase size, reduce shrivel of olive fruit

Antitranspirants reduce plant water stress by decreasing water loss through the leaves of olive trees — thus increasing fruit growth. In areas, such as Northern California, where dry northerly winds occur, antitranspirants can markedly reduce the incidence of shrivelled fruit. The antitranspirants in this study were used on an experimental basis and have not yet received EPA approval, although efforts toward approval are being made. Therefore, the results presented indicate the potential of these materials for fruit sizing and are not intended as a recommendation at this stage.