Plants experience stress when environmental conditions are suboptimal for
growth, influenced by both biotic factors (such as pests) and abiotic factors (such as
salinity, drought, and nutrient deficiencies). These stresses can significantly impact
plant yield and quality. In response to the challenges posed by climate change and
increasing global food demands, controlled environment horticulture (CEH) has
emerged as a transformative approach to mitigating plant stress. This chapter explores
how CEH provides a superior alternative for managing environmental factors that limit
horticultural plant growth. It will discuss the resistance traits that plants develop to
cope with abiotic stress and examine the advantages and challenges associated with
CEH. Additionally, the chapter will address types of growing methods in a controlled
environment.
Keywords: Abiotic factors, Climate, Controlled condition, Crops, Drought, Metal pollution, Nutrient deficiency, Salinity, Stress, Wounding.
