Antitranspirant Effects on Water Relations and Fruit Growth of Rabbiteye Blueberry1

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Abstract
Vapor Gard (VG), a polymer of β-pinene applied at concentrations of 1.5 or 2.5% (by volume to rabbit-eye blueberries (Vaccinium ashei Reade) influenced leaf temperatures, water balances, berry weight, and time of fruit harvest of plants with and without drip irrigation. A 2.5% VG spray uniformly covered entire leaves and increased midday xylem pressure potentials (Ψ×) by 50% and leaf resistances (r1) by 400%, decreased transpiration (T) by 80%, raised average leaf temperature by 2.2°C and resulted in phytotoxicity and leaf drop. A 1.5% spray did not significantly increase Ψx but doubled r1 and decreased Τ by 60% with no toxicity symptoms. When all cultivars are combined, the 1.5% spray applied to plants with and without irrigation increased berry weight by 31 and 17% but delayed berry maturation and decreased percentage total soluble solids of mature berries by 26 and 24%, respectively. Vapor Gard did not significantly change yields when used alone.

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