Effects of soil and air temperature on growth, development and water use of tomatoes.

In glasshouse experiments (a) without air temperature control and soil temperatures ranging from 14 degrees to 29 degrees C, and (b) with constant air temperatures of 17 degrees , 21 degrees and 25 degrees C and soil temperatures ranging from 12 degrees to 30 degrees C, growth of tomato plants was reduced at soil temperatures below 17 degrees C and air temperatures below 20 degrees C. Soil temperature did not influence reproductive development very much; root extension was somewhat influenced by soil temperature, and high soil temperatures increased the water use. A late but rather profuse flowering was produced by low air temperatures. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)