Antitranspirants

Film-forming sprays applied to harvested produce, nursery plants and cut flowers to curb transpiration — the water loss through stomata and cut surfaces that causes wilting, shrivelling and weight loss. They lay a semipermeable barrier over the plant surface, slowing moisture escape during storage and transport. Materials range from wax emulsions and acrylic polymers to natural oils; formulations destined for edible crops must meet food-safety requirements. They complement rather than replace the fundamentals — correct temperature, humidity and handling — buying extra hours or days of freshness in the distribution chain.