In the evolving landscape of controlled environment agriculture (CEA), precise temperature management remains a pivotal factor in enhancing the growth, development, productivity, and quality of high-value leafy greens. Our research identifies the cardinal temperatures — base (Tb), optimum (Topt), and maximum (Tmax) — for red-leaf and green butterhead lettuce (Lactuca sativa), arugula (Eruca sativa), and kale (Brassica oleracea), comparing how both constant mean daily temperature (MDT) within a greenhouse and positive day-night temperature differences (DIF) in a growth chamber influence plant growth and development. In the greenhouse, we had a constant MDT of 8, 13, 18, 23, 28, and 33 °C under a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 220 µmol∙m‒2∙s‒1 for 12 h∙d–1, while in the growth chamber we targeted the same MDTs with air day/night (12 h/12 h) set points of 11/5 °C, 16/10 °C, 21/15 °C, 26/20 °C, 31/25 °C, or 36/30 °C under a PPFD of 300 µmol∙m‒2∙s‒1. Both arugula and kale had greater biomass accumulation at lower Tb and Topt compared to lettuce, suggesting a propensity for growth under a cooler MDT. Specifically, the Topt for fresh mass accumulation was found to be at 24.7 °C for arugula, 22.9 °C for kale, and higher for lettuce cultivars 'Rex' and 'Rouxaï RZ' at 24.7 and 26.2 °C, respectively. We found that DIF exerted minimal influence on these crops, emphasizing the critical role of MDT in influencing their developmental outcomes. Additionally, our research provides insight into the impact of temperature on various physiological and morphological parameters, such as leaf unfolding rate, biomass accumulation, and susceptibility to physiological disorders such as bolting or tipburn. This study underscores the importance of precise temperature management in CEA, offering guidance for producers seeking to optimize energy use while maximizing crop yield and quality.
