When should irrigation typically occur in greenhouse IPM systems?

When should irrigation typically occur in greenhouse IPM systems?

• A. Early in the Day
• B. Midday
• C. Late Afternoon
• D. Night

Answer: (A)

In greenhouse IPM, managing leaf wetness duration is crucial for disease control. Watering early in the day allows foliage to dry during sunlight hours, reducing the time leaves stay wet and thus lowering the risk of fungal and bacterial diseases that thrive on prolonged moisture. It also helps plants uptake water before heat rises and transpiration increases. Watering later in the day or at night keeps leaves damp longer, creating favorable conditions for pathogens and mold growth. Midday watering can be inefficient and may still leave leaves wet during the cooler, high-humidity period, so starting irrigation in the morning is the best practice.

In greenhouse IPM, managing leaf wetness duration is crucial for disease control. Watering early in the day allows foliage to dry during sunlight hours, reducing the time leaves stay wet and thus lowering the risk of fungal and bacterial diseases that thrive on prolonged moisture. It also helps plants uptake water before heat rises and transpiration increases. Watering later in the day or at night keeps leaves damp longer, creating favorable conditions for pathogens and mold growth. Midday watering can be inefficient and may still leave leaves wet during the cooler, high-humidity period, so starting irrigation in the morning is the best practice.