Modifications of the leaf surface structures of Quercus ilex L. in open, naturally CO2-enriched environments |
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| Authors: | E Paoletti G Nourrisson J P Garrec & A Raschi |
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| Institution: | Istituto Patologia Alberi Forestali-CNR, Piazzale Cascine 28, 50144 Firenze, Italy,,;LPA-INRA, Centre Recherches Forestieres Nancy, 54280 Champenoux, France and,;IATA-CNR, Via Caproni, 50100 Firenze, Italy |
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| Abstract: | Two Italian CO2 springs allowed us to study the long-term effect of a 350–2600 μ mol mol–1 increase in CO2 concentrations on the surface structures of leaves of Quercus ilex L. Carbon dioxide increased the quantity of cuticular waxes, above an apparent threshold of 750 μ mol mol–1 CO2. Leaf wettability was not modified by CO2 concentrations. Reduction in stomatal frequency was observable up to 750 μ mol mol–1 CO2, the slope being almost the same as that estimated for the increase in CO2 concentration from pre-industrial times to the present. At higher concentrations, CO2 seemed to exert no more impact on stomatal frequency. |
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| Keywords: | Quercus ilex elevated CO2 leaf wettability stomatal frequency wax amount natural CO2 spring |
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