Antitranspirants for improvement of water use efficiency of crops

Abstract

The use of antitranspirants may guarantee the establishment of seedlings transplanted under drought conditions or prolong the life of mature plants at sub-optimal moisture levels. Where water is really scarce they can reduce transpiration losses to the extent that irrigation intervals may be extended. Whilst, at present, known antitranspirants are relatively expensive, their use can be justified, for example, to prevent shrinkage in high-value fruits, or where crop survival is threatened.