What is a common consequence of maintaining a temperature outside the ideal range in a greenhouse?

Maintaining a temperature outside the ideal range in a greenhouse commonly leads to reduced plant growth and development. Plants have specific temperature requirements that, when met, promote optimal physiological processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, and nutrient uptake. When temperatures are too high or too low, these processes can be disrupted, resulting in stunted growth, poor flowering, and even plant stress or death.

Extreme temperatures may also affect the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients effectively, further hindering their overall development. For instance, if the temperature is excessively high, plants may experience wilting or drought stress even when water is available. Conversely, low temperatures can cause slowed metabolic rates, leading to delayed maturity and harvest times.

In contrast to reduced growth, options like increased pest activity and improved water retention in the soil may happen under stressed conditions but are not direct or guaranteed consequences of improper temperature management. Enhanced flavor in fruits and vegetables might occur under some favorable conditions when temperature is managed well, but it is not a typical result of temperature extremes.