Heat Stress

Heat stress is a plant’s response to excessively high temperatures. It can cause flower drop, reduced photosynthesis, pollination problems, and a decline in fruit quality. Prolonged heat waves combined with high nighttime temperatures are particularly dangerous. The effects of excessive cold are defined separately as cold stress, while both phenomena fall under the broader concept of temperature stress. During hot weather, ventilate the covers, maintain even soil moisture, provide temporary shade as needed, and avoid suddenly exposing the fruit by pruning heavily.