What could happen if the temperature in a greenhouse exceeds the ideal range?

When the temperature in a greenhouse exceeds the ideal range, plants can suffer from heat stress. Heat stress occurs when plants experience temperatures that are too high for their physiological processes to function optimally. This can lead to several negative effects on the plants, including wilting, leaf drop, and in severe cases, even death. High temperatures can disrupt photosynthesis and respiration, leading to reduced growth and overall decline in plant health.

In addition to causing direct damage to the plants, heat stress can also make them more susceptible to pests and diseases, which thrive in weakened conditions. Therefore, maintaining the temperature within an ideal range is crucial for ensuring that plants remain healthy and productive.

While it might seem plausible that plants could grow faster at elevated temperatures or that they would require more water, these scenarios typically do not align with what occurs under extreme heat conditions. Instead, the stress from the heat is the predominant concern. Similarly, while some plants might exhibit dormancy in response to extremes, it is more commonly associated with unsuitable cold conditions rather than excessive heat.