Some effects of an antitranspirant (vapor gard) on tomato growth and yield

Maximum crop production is closely related to the availability of water, and water loss from plants during transpiration may be reduced by the application of an antitranspirant (AT) that could increase leaf resistance to diffusion of water vapor. Research was conducted to evaluate the effects of an AT (Vapor Gard, VG) on vegetative and reproductive development, dry matter partitioning and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) plants. Two irrigation experiments comparing 1) a control (no VG); 2) VG applied before flowering; and 3) VG applied before flowering, at fruit initiation, and after first harvest; were conducted at Bradenton, FL in 1997. Plant development and dry matter production for the vegetative parts of tomato plants were increased by VG. This positive effect of VG on vegetative growth and development was likely due to an increase in leaf temperature in the absence of transpirational cooling and/ or improved plant water status due to lower transpiration. There were no significant effects of the VG on fruit yield.