Temperature effects on growth and development of plants.

Abstract

The physiological reasons for the growth responses plants have to temperature and the physiology of low temperature stress resistance in plants and horticultural practices that can influence a plant's stress tolerance are discussed. Topics include: temperature and heat in the environment; the growing season; dormancy and crop production; vernalization; stratification and after-ripening of seeds; low temperature stress in plants; dormancy, acclimation, and hardiness; horticultural practices that influence hardiness; crop protection from frosts and freezes.