Growing degree-day

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-001211",
  "term": "Growing degree-day",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "A measure of heat accumulation used to predict plant and insect development rates, calculated by summing the daily average air temperature above a specific base temperature. It quantifies the thermal time required for organisms to progress through their life stages. The base temperature varies depending on the species, often ranging from 0°C to 10°C.",
    "The number of degrees that the average temperature is above a baseline value. For example, 40 degrees for canning purposes; 45 degree for potatoes; and 50\ndegrees for sweet corn, snap beans, lima beans, tomatoes, grapes, and field corn. Every degree that the average temperature is above the baseline value becomes a growing degree day.\nAgricultural related interests use growing degree days to determine planting times."
  ],
  "abbreviation": "GDD",
  "synonyms": [
    "Gdd"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "Degree-day",
    "heat unit"
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/growing-degree-day/"
}