FFA Floriculture Practice Test

What is the calculated difference between the day temperature and the night temperature in greenhouse production called?

1. Delta Temperature

2. DIF

3. Temperature Range

4. Thermal Gradient

The correct answer is: DIF

The calculated difference between the day temperature and the night temperature in greenhouse production is referred to as DIF. This term specifically denotes the variation between daytime and nighttime temperatures, which is crucial in plant growth and development. Understanding DIF is important because it influences a plant's physiological processes, such as photosynthesis, respiration, and overall growth rate. A positive DIF (where day temperatures are higher than night temperatures) can promote more vigorous growth and encourage flowering in many plant species, whereas a negative DIF may inhibit growth and affect flowering negatively. The other terms, while related to temperature concepts, do not accurately describe the specific calculation of day-to-night temperature differences in the context of greenhouse production. For instance, Delta Temperature generally refers to the difference in temperature between two points but is not specific to day and night metrics. Temperature Range can denote the spread of temperatures in general but does not clarify the relationship between day and night. Thermal Gradient typically relates to the rate of temperature change over distance, which is not specific to day and night variations. Therefore, DIF is the precise term used for this particular measurement in greenhouse horticulture.