Preliminary trials indicate that gibberellic acid sprays will delay maturity of limes as well as lemons (California Agriculture, January, 1964). In southern California, Bearss lime trees bear some fruit most of the year, but much of the crop colors and ripens in the fall and winter and must be picked. As with lemons, the lime industry would benefit if more fruit matured later in the season when the demand is greater.

George Goodall, Farm Advisor, Santa Barbara County, Irving Hardman, Manager, Calavo Packinghouse, Escondido, and various lime growers assisted with these studies.