Ways to protect plants from summer heat

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Erayaman, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Cyprus International University (CIU), drew attention to the negative effects of high temperatures on plants, and said, "In sizzling heat waves, leaf tips may burn; and the damage will be greater if there is excessive fertilizer application, and improper watering.”

Erayman stated that healthy plants are more resistant to stress, and as long as adequate care, water and shade are provided, the plants can easily recover.

Erayman also talked about the effects of high temperature on plants, reminding that symptoms such as curling, wilting and twisting of the leaves, as well as a shrinking in the leaf’s surface area can be observed. 

In cases where these symptoms exist, Erayman pointed  out the importance of adequate irrigation, and said, “Some plants may look wilted in excessive daytime heat and they are subject to heat stress, but they recover easily if they are watered in the evening.”

Erayman also said that some plants survive by facilitating heat stress adaptation, and noted that regardless of this adaptation, drying occurs at the leaf tips .

Noting that plants affected by extreme heat can sometimes shred their flowers or fruits, Erayman said, "Many ornamental plants cannot bloom or lose their buds and flowers due to heat stress."

Erayman, had some  suggestions on how to reduce damage and accelerate healing in case the plants are under heat stress, and said, “Install a light color cloth as a temporary sun shade, use drip irrigation to water the crops in the morning or evening; spread mulch on a 5-8 cm thick layer of soil to help stabilize soil temperature and retain moisture.”

Erayman underlined that replanting should not be done in this case, and noted that it is also important to wait for the heat wave to pass before applying fertilizer.

Erayman  recommended cleaning dead flowers and not pruning partially dead leaves.  He said, "In any case, The leaves will cast a shadow over the stressed plants, protect the remaining green areas from direct sunlight and allow them to continue the photosynthesis process."