Temperature Management of Temperature During Shelf-life of Cucumber
2025-08-13 10:08:33
Cucumbers are highly sensitive to temperature, and years of agricultural experience have shown that the ideal range for photosynthesis in their leaves is between 25°C and 32°C. When temperatures exceed this range, plant respiration increases significantly, leading to a reduction in the accumulation of photosynthetic products. Conversely, at lower temperatures, the rate of photosynthesis slows down, resulting in less sugar production and slower growth. In some cases, growers may raise the temperature to 30°C–37°C during sunny mornings when humidity is above 90% to accelerate growth, but it's important to maintain night temperatures between 18°C and 21°C. Although higher daytime temperatures can speed up growth, they also cause the plants to mature faster, which is not sustainable long-term.
Nighttime temperature plays a crucial role in determining cucumber yield. To maximize production, careful temperature control is needed during different periods around May. After sunset, for the first 2 to 3 hours, keeping the temperature between 18°C and 21°C helps transfer the sugars produced during the day more efficiently into the fruits. During the middle of the night, lowering the temperature to 14°C–16°C reduces respiration and preserves more energy. In the second half of the night, just before sunrise, maintaining temperatures between 12°C and 13°C further minimizes energy loss. This strategy ensures that the plants use their resources efficiently, promoting higher yields.
However, if nighttime temperatures stay too high—especially above 20°C—it can lead to issues like poor fruit set, excessive vegetative growth, or even "melon madness." These problems are commonly observed from April to May, especially when temperature management is inconsistent. Improper control can result in weak plants and lower harvests. Therefore, it's essential to monitor and adjust temperatures carefully throughout the night.
To achieve these optimal conditions, growers should regularly check weather forecasts and adjust ventilation times and intensity based on the insulation quality of their greenhouses. The decision to remove or retain heat sources, such as straw piles, also depends on local conditions. By staying attentive and making timely adjustments, farmers can create the best environment for healthy and productive cucumber growth.
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