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.

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Funds were provided by the United States Department of the Interior, Office of Water Resources Research, as authorized under the Water Resources Research Act of 1964 and by the University of California Water Resources Center. Advice and help was received from J. Osgood (Tehama County Farm Advisor) and research assistance from J. Pearson, M.A. Fisher and E.B. Roberts (Staff Research Associates). A. Burling contributed the use of his orchard.