Plant Needs

Temperature Heat NRG Photosynthesis & Respiration are affected by temp Slow Down w/ cool temp Freeze Damage Occurs when cell walls break as content of cells freeze Flower cells are easily damaged Greatest concern is w/ roots Roots die  the plant will d

Heat damage Worse when Hot AND Dry Plants transpire water through stomata Stomata close if roots can’t keep up Wilting: Drooping condition & lack of firmness Caused by inadequate water Loss of Turgidity: water pressure

Air Contains CO2 & O2 – critical for photosynthesis & respiration Root cells must have O2 for healthy root growth And to perform vital life processes Humidity: water vapor in the air Affects plant growth

Air Pollution Damaging to plants Dust reduces light intensity Chemical Pollutants can kill plant cells or even whole plant Plants clean air for humans

Water Photosynthesis and respiration require water Minerals must be dissolved in water to be absorbed by plant Water carries materials through the plant Water makes up a large portion of plant cells, tissues, and organs

Drought Periods of insufficient rainfall Normal plant growth is slowed Stomata close – won’t permit exchange of CO2 & O2

Too much Water Plants can be too wet Roots don’t receive O2 Seeds rot before germination

Irrigation Furnishing plants with water by flooding or sprinkling Must be clean water