How can temperature stress be alleviated during summer months?

The correct approach to alleviate temperature stress during the summer months involves increasing ventilation and applying shade cloths. This combination effectively lowers the temperature in greenhouse environments, which can become exceedingly hot during summer.

Ventilation is crucial as it allows for the exchange of hot air inside the greenhouse with cooler air from outside. By promoting airflow, it helps to lower temperatures and increase humidity control, which is essential for plant health. Additionally, applying shade cloths reduces the amount of sunlight directly hitting plants, helping to prevent overheating and excessive evaporation of moisture from the plants and the soil.

While increasing irrigation can help manage moisture levels, it does not directly address high temperatures. Relying solely on air conditioning may not be energy efficient or practical in all situations, and planting shade trees outside, while beneficial, does not provide immediate relief to the plants that are already experiencing temperature stress inside the greenhouse. Therefore, increasing ventilation and applying shade cloths present the most effective solution to managing temperature extremes during the hotter months.