Programs and Meetings

Greenhouse Energy Conservation Strategies: Temperature and Scheduling

 

Temperature controls the rate of plant development and thus, crop timing.  Temperature can also influence extension growth of plants, greenhouse energy consumption, and crop quality attributes.  To learn about how temperature influences crop timing, crop quality, and energy consumption, visit the Managing Greenhouse Temperature section of this website.  Additional information on temperature, as it relates to greenhouse energy conservation, is listed below.

• Virtual Grower, a free computer program for greenhouse growers to predict heating costs.  Developed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service.

• Temperature and Scheduling: Improving Greenhouse Production Efficiency by Erik Runkle and Matthew Blanchard, Michigan State University.
  
  
• Greenhouse Temperature Management by A.J. Both, Rutgers University.
  
  
• Maximising the Savings from Temperature Integration by Steven Adams, University of Warwick.  Reprinted from the October 2006 issue of The Commercial Greenhouse Grower.
  
  
• Larger Liners, Shorter Crop Time by Paul Fisher, Heather Warren, and Luke Hydock, University of Florida and University of New Hampshire.  Reprinted from the mid-September 2006 issue of Greenhouse Grower.
  
  
• The Most Profitable Liner Size? by Paul Fisher, University of Florida.  Reprinted from the October 2006 issue of Greenhouse Grower.
  
  
• Finishing Poinsettias Cooler by Jim Faust, Clemson University and Roger Kehoe, Ecke Ranch.  Reprinted from the October 2007 issue of Greenhouse Grower.

High-temperature stress of bedding plants E. Runkle (May 2012)

Other Greenhouse Energy Cost Reduction Strategies pages:

• Alternative Energy
• Energy Audits
• Energy Grants and Loans
• Greenhouse Lighting
• Greenhouse Technologies
• Supplemental Materials and Links

  Copyright © 2012, Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University.

MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.