Effects of CO2 and Photosynthetic Photon Flux on Yield, Gas Exchange and Growth Rate of Lactuca Sativa L. 'Waldmann's Green'

Knight, S. L. and Mitchell, C. A. 1988. Effects of CO₂ and photosyntheticphoton flux on yield, gas exchange and growth rate of Lactucasativa L. ‘Waldmann’s Green'.—J. exp. Bot.39: 317–328. Enrichment of CO₂ to 46 mmol m^–3 (1 000 mm³ dm^–3)at a moderate photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) of 450 µmolm^–2 s^–1 stimulated fresh and dry weight gain oflettuce leaves 39% to 75% relative to plants at 16 mmol m^–3CO₂ (350 mm³ dm^–3). Relative growth rate (RGR) was stimulatedonly during the first several days of exponential growth. ElevatingCO₂ above 46 mmol m^–3 at moderate PPF had no further benefit.However, high PPF of 880–900 µmol m^–2 s^–1gave further, substantial increases in growth, RGR, net assimilationrate (NAR) and photosynthetic rate (Pn), but a decrease in leafarea ratio (LAR), at 46 or 69 mmol m^–3 (1000 or 1500 mm³dm^–3) CO², the differences being greater at the higherCO₂ level. Enrichment of CO₂ to a supraoptimal level of 92 mmolm^–3 (2000 mm³ dm^–3) at high PPF increased leaf areaand LAR, decreased specific leaf weight, NAR and Pn and hadno effect on leaf, stem and root dry weight or RGR relativeto plants grown at 69 mmol m^–3 CO₂ after 8 d of treatment.The results of the study indicate that leaf lettuce growth ismost responsive to a combination of high PPF and CO₂ enrichmentto 69 mmol m^–3 for several days at the onset of exponentialgrowth, after which optimizing resources might be conserved. Key words: Photosynthesis, relative growth rate, CO₂ enrichment     

Effect of elevated CO2 on the utilization of light energy in Nothofagus fusca and Pinus radiata

Red beech (Nothofagus fusca (Hook. F.) Oerst.; Fagaceae) andradiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don; Pinaceae) were grown for16 months in large open-top chambers at ambient (37 Pa) andelevated (66 Pa) atmospheric partial pressure of CO₂, and incontrol plots (no chamber). Summer-time measurements showedthat photosynthetic capacity was similar at elevated CO₂ (lightand CO₂-saturated value of 17.2 µmol m^–2 s^–1for beech, 13.5 µmol m^–2 s^–1 for pine), plantsgrown at ambient CO₂ (beech 21.0 µmol^–2 s^–1,pine 14.9 µmol m^–2s^–1) or control plants grownwithout chambers (beech 23.2 µmol m^–2 s^–1,pine 12.9 µmol m^–2 s^–1). However, the higherCO₂ partial pressure had a direct effect on photosynthetic rate,such that under their respective growth conditions, photosynthesisfor the elevated CO₂ treatment (measured at 70 Pa CO₂ partialpressure: beech 14.1 µmol m^–2 s^–1 pine 10.3)was greater than in ambient (measured at 35 Pa CO₂: beech 9.7µmol m^–2 s^–1, pine 7.0 µmol m^–2s^–1) or control plants (beech 10.8 µmol m^–2s^–1, pine 7.2 µmol m^–2 s^–1). Measurementsof chlorophyll fluorescence revealed no evidence of photodamagein any treatment for either species. The quantity of the photoprotectivexanthophyll cycle pigments and their degree of de-epoxidationat midday did not differ among treatments for either species.The photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (yield) was lowerin control plants than in chamber-grown plants, and was higherin chamber plants at ambient than at elevated CO₂. These resultssuggest that at lower (ambient) CO₂ partial pressure, beechplants may have dissipated excess energy by a mechanism thatdoes not involve the xanthophyll cycle pigments. Key words: Carotenoids, chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthesis, photoinhibition, photoprotection, xanthophyll cycle     

Long-term effects of a doubled atmospheric CO2 concentration on the CAM species Agave deserti

To examine the effects of a doubled atmospheric CO₂ concentrationand other aspects of global climate change on a common CAM speciesnative to the Sonoran Desert, Agave deserti was grown under370 and 750 µmol CO₂ mol^–1 air and gas exchangewas measured under various environmental conditions. Doublingthe CO₂ concentration increased daily net CO₂ uptake by 49%throughout the 17 months and decreased daily transpiration by24%, leading to a 110% increase in water-use efficiency. Underthe doubled CO₂ concentration, the activity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphatecarboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) was 11% lower, phosphoenolpyruvatecarboxylase was 34% lower, and the activated:total ratio forRubisco was 25% greater than under the current CO₂ concentration.Less leaf epicuticular wax occurred on plants under the doubledCO₂ concentration, which decreased the reflectance of photosyntheticphoton flux (PPF); the chlorophyll content per unit leaf areawas also less. The enhancement of daily net CO₂ uptake by doublingthe CO₂ concentration increased when the PPF was decreased below25 mol m^–2 d^–1 when water was withheld, and whenday/night temperatures were below 17/12 C. More leaves, eachwith a greater surface area, were produced per plant under thedoubled CO₂ concentration. The combination of increased totalleaf surface area and increased daily net CO₂ uptake led toan 88% stimulation of dry mass accumulation under the doubledCO₂ concentration. A rising atmospheric CO₂ concentration, togetherwith accompanying changes in temperature, precipitation, andPPF, should increase growth and productivity of native populationsof A. deserti. Key words: Crassulacean acid metabolism, gas exchange, global climate change, Sonoran Desert     

Temperature Effects on Rice at Elevated CO2 Concentration

The continuing increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration([CO₂]) and projections of possible future increases in globalairtemperatures have stimulated interest in the effects of theseclimate variables on agriculturally important food crops. Thisstudywas conducted to determine the effects of [CO₂] and temperatureon rice (Oryza sativa L., cv. IR–30). Rice plants weregrownseason-long in outdoor, naturally sunlit, controlled-environment,plant growth chambers in temperature regimes ranging from 25/18/21°Cto 37/30/34°C (daytime dry bulb air temperature/night-timedry bulb air temperature/paddy water temperature)and [CO₂] of660 µmol CO₂ mol1 air. An ambient chamber was maintainedat a [CO₂] of 330 µmol mol^–1 and temperature regimesof 28/21/25°C. Carbon dioxide enrichment at 28/21/25°Cincreased both biomass accumulation and tillering and increasedgrain yield by 60%. In the 660 µmol mol^–1 [CO₂]treatment, grain yield decreased from 10.4 to 1.0 Mg ha^–1with increasing temperature from 28/21/25°C to the 37/30/34°Ctemperature treatment. Across this temperature range, the numberof panicles plant^–1 nearly doubled while the number ofseeds panicle^–1 declined sharply. These results indicatethat while future increases in atmospheric [CO₂] are likelyto be beneficial to rice growth and yield, potentially largenegative effects on rice yield are possible if air temperaturesalso rise. Key words: Oryza sativa, CO₂, temperature, growth, yield     

Cladode development for Opuntia ficus-indica (Cactaceae) under current and doubled CO2 concentrations

Morphological and anatomical changes for first-order daughter cladodes (flattened stem segments) of a prickly pear cactus, Opuntia ficus-indica, were monitored to determine the effects of a doubled atmospheric CO₂ concentration on their development and mature form. For daughter cladodes developing in controlled environment chambers for 60 d, maximal elongation rates were similar under a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 6 mol m⁻² d⁻¹ and a CO₂ concentration of 370 μl liter⁻¹, an increased PPFD (10 mol m⁻² d⁻¹), and an increased PPFD and a doubled CO₂ concentration. These maximal rates, however, occurred at 20, 15, and 12 d, respectively. The maximal relative growth rate under the doubled CO₂ concentration was about twice that under the other conditions. For cladodes at 60 d as well as after 4 and 16 mo in open-top chambers, doubling the CO₂ concentration had no effect on final length or width. At 4 mo, cladodes under doubled C0₂ were 27% thicker, perhaps allowing the earlier production of second-order daughter cladodes. The chlorenchyma was then 31% thicker and composed of longer cells. At 16 mo, the difference in cladode thickness diminished, but the chlorenchyma remained thicker under doubled CO₂, which may contribute to greater net CO₂ uptake for O. ficus-indica under elevated CO₂ concentrations. Two other persistent differences were a 20% lower stomatal frequency and a 30% thicker cuticle with more epicuticular wax for cladodes under doubled CO₂, both of which may help reduce transpirational water loss.     

CO2 Exchange and Growth of the Crassulacean Acid Metabolism Plant Opuntia ficus-indica under Elevated CO2 in Open-Top Chambers

CO2 uptake, water vapor conductance, and biomass production of Opuntia ficus-indica, a Crassulacean acid metabolism species, were studied at CO2 concentrations of 370, 520, and 720 [mu]L L-1 in open-top chambers during a 23-week period. Nine weeks after planting, daily net CO2 uptake for basal cladodes at 520 and 720 [mu]L L-1 of CO2 was 76 and 98% higher, respectively, than at 370 [mu]L L-1. Eight weeks after daughter cladodes emerged, their daily net CO2 uptake was 35 and 49% higher at 520 and 720 [mu]L L-1 of C02, respectively, than at 370 [mu]L L-1. Daily water-use efficiency was 88% higher under elevated CO2 for basal cladodes and 57% higher for daughter cladodes. The daily net CO2 uptake capacity for basal cladodes increased for 4 weeks after planting and then remained fairly constant, whereas for daughter cladodes, it increased with cladode age, became maximal at 8 to 14 weeks, and then declined. The percentage enhancement in daily net CO2 uptake caused by elevated CO2 was greatest initially for basal cladodes and at 8 to 14 weeks for daughter cladodes. The chlorophyll content per unit fresh weight of chlorenchyma for daughter cladodes at 8 weeks was 19 and 62% lower in 520 and 720 [mu]L L-1 of CO2, respectively, compared with 370 [mu]L L-1. Despite the reduced chlorophyll content, plant biomass production during 23 weeks in 520 and 720 [mu]L L-1 of CO2 was 21 and 55% higher, respectively, than at 370 [mu]L L-1. The root dry weight nearly tripled as the C02 concentration was doubled, causing the root/shoot ratio to increase with CO2 concentration. During the 23-week period, elevated CO2 significantly increased CO2 uptake and biomass production of O. ficus-indica.     

Active Uptake of CO2 by the Diatom Navicula pelliculosa

Mass spectrometry has been used to investigate the transportof CO₂ in the freshwater diatom Navicula pelliculosa. The timecourseof CO₂ formation in the dark after addition of 100 mmol m^–3dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) to cell suspensions showedthat no external carbonic anhydrase (CA) was present in thesecells. Upon illumination, cells pre-incubated at pH 75 with100 mmol m^–3 DIC, removed almost all free CO₂ from themedium at an initial rate of 285 µmol CO₂ mg^–1Chl h^–1. Equilibrium between HCO₃^– and CO₂ in themedium occurred rapidly upon addition of bovine CA, showingthat CO₂ depletion resulted from a selective uptake of CO₂ ratherthan an uptake of all inorganic carbon species. However, photosyntheticO₂ evolution rate remained constant after CO₂ had been depletedfrom the medium indicating that photosynthesis is sustainedprimarily by active HCO₃^– uptake. Treatment of cells with2-iodoacetamide (83 mol m^–3) completely inhibited CO₂fixation but had little effect on CO₂ transport since initialrates of CO₂ depletion were about 81% that of untreated cells.Transfer of iodoacetamide-treated cells to the dark caused arapid increase in the CO₂ concentration in the medium largelydue to the efflux of the unfixed intracellular DIC pool whichwas found to be about 194 times the concentration of that inthe external medium. These results indicate that Navicula pelliculosaactively takes up molecular CO₂ against a concentration gradientby a process distinct from HCO₃^– transport. Key words: Dissolved inorganic carbon, carbonic anhydrase, bicarbonate transport, CO₂ transport, mass spectrometry     

Photosynthetic Net CO2 Uptake and Leaf Phosphate Concentrations in CO2 Enriched Clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) at Three Levels of Phosphate Nutrition

Net CO₂-uptake of sets of clover plants (Trifolium subterraneumL.) was measured over 3 weeks in ambient air and in a highlyCO₂-enriched atmosphere (400 Pa CO₂). Phosphate (P) in the nutrientsolution was varied between 0·05 mol m^–3 P (reducedP) and 2·0 mol m^–3 P (high P). In ambient air,the daily increments of the daily rate of net CO₂-uptake (DICU;a parameter related to relative growth) were higher at reducedP than at high P. Stimulation by high CO₂ of net CO₂-uptakein the first day was less at reduced P than at high P. In thefollowing days, high CO₂ markedly inhibited DICU at reducedP, and thus growthstimulation by high CO₂ ceased after between4 and 12 d. By contrast, at high P, DICU increased more than2-fold upon CO₂-enrichment, and thus growth stimulation by highCO₂ was maintained. Intermediate results were obtained withhalf-strength Hoagland's solution (0·5 mol m^–3P). Leaf pools of inorganic ortho P, soluble esterified P, and totalP declined markedly in high CO₂ when P-nutrition had been reduced.Considerable decline also occurred in high CO₂ when P-nutritionhad been increased suggesting that P-uptake was not well tunedwith net CO₂-uptake (growth). It is proposed that high CO₂ can perturb the P-metabolism ofclover, the impairment being less at high levels of P-nutrition.With regard to high CO₂ as a growth stimulus, these resultsdemonstrate that increasing P-nutrition to a level supraoptimalin ambient air can considerably improve the growth of a C₃-plantin high CO₂. Key words: Atmospheric CO₂-enrichment, phosphate nutrition, photosynthesis, clover     

Response of young barley plants to CO2 enrichment

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Digger) was grown for 22 d inenclosed chambers with a CO₂ enrichment of 35, 155, 400 or 675µmol CO₂ mol1. CO₂ enrichment increased photosyntheticcapacity in the plants grown at either of the two highest levelsof pCO₂. A CO₂ enrichment of 675µmol CO₂ caused a significantincrement of shoot dry weight, whereas no changes were observedin fresh weight, chlorophyll or protein levels. At a light intensityof 860µmol m^–2s^–1 CO₂ enrichment caused photosyntheticcapacity to increase by 250%, whereas no effect was observedat 80 µmol m^–2 s^–1. Over time, photosynthesisdecreased by 70% independent of CO₂. A time-dependent increasein the level of extractable fructose was observed whereas totalextractable carbohydrate only changed slightly. Key words: Carbohydrates, CO₂ enrichment, Hordeum vulgare, photosynthesis, respiration     

The Uptake of Nitrate by Lolium perenne from Flowing Nutrient Solution: II. EFFECT OF LIGHT, DEFOLIATION, AND RELATIONSHIP TO CO2 FLUX

Experiments with simulated swards of perennial ryegrass (Loliumperenne L.) grown in flowing nutrient solution with NO₃- heldat 0.1 mg N I^–1 show that the rate of NO₃- uptake wasrelated to diurnal, day-to-day, and seasonal changes in radiation.In summer the diurnal variation in NO₃-uptake ranged from 25to 50 mg N m^–2 h^–1 and the day-to-day variationranged from 500 to 1500 mg N m^–2 d^–1. Mean dailyrates of uptake over 12 d periods in summer and in winter averaged908 and 44 mg N m^–2, respectively. The pattern of NO₃-uptake followed that of CO₂ flux with the maximum rate of theformer occurring 5 or 6 h after the maximum CO₂ influx. Afterdefoliation, NO₃- uptake was severely curtailed for 2 d concomitantwith a very small influx of CO₂. Analysis of the changes thatoccurred in the rate of NO₃- uptake immediately after the switchingon or off of artificial light suggests that two reversible processesmay be involved in the relation between NO₃-uptake and radiation,one with a longer and the other with a shorter time constant.     

Response of Photosynthesis, Stomatal Conductance and Water Use Efficiency to Elevated CO2 and Nutrient Supply in Acclimated Seedlings of Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Plants of Phaseolus vulgaris L were grown from seed in open-topgrowth chambers at present day (350 µmol mol^–1)and double the present day (700 µmol mol^–1) atmosphericCO₂ concentration with either low (L, without additional nutrientsolution) or relatively high (H, with additional nutrient solution)nutrient supply Measurements of assimilation rate, stomatalconductance and water use efficiency were started 17 d aftersowing on each fully expanded, primary leaf of three plantsper treatment Measurements were made in external CO₂ concentrations(C₂) of 200, 350, 450, 550 and 700 µmol mol^–1 andrelated to both C_a and to C₁, the mean intercellular space CO₂concentration Fully adjusted, steady state measurements weremade after approx 2 h equilibration at each CO₂ concentration The rate of CO₂ assimilation by leaves increased and stomatalconductance decreased similarly over the range of C_a or C₁ inall four CO₂ and nutrient supply treatments but both assimilationrate and stomatal conductance were higher in the high nutrientsupply treatment than in the low nutrient treatment The relationbetween assimilation rate or stomatal conductance and C₁ wasnot significantly different amongst plants grown in present-dayor elevated CO₂ concentration in either nutrient supply treatment,i e there was no evidence of down regulation of photosynthesisor stomatal response Increase in CO₂ concentration from 350to 700 µmol mol^–1 doubled water use efficiency ofindividual leaves in the high nutrient supply treatment andtripled water use efficiency in the low nutrient supply treatment The results support the hypothesis that acclimation phenomenaresult from unbalanced growth that occurs after the seed reservesare exhausted, when the supply of resources becomes growth limiting CO₂ enrichment, Phaseolus vulgaris L., net CO₂ assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency     

Measurements of 14C Incorporation by Illuminated Intact Leaves of Coffee Plants from Gas Mixtures Containing 14CO2

A study was made of the incorporation of ¹⁴C by intact leavesof Coffea arabica (cultivars Mundo Novo, Catuai, 1130–13,and H 6586–2) and Coffea canephora (cultivar Guarini)supplied with gas mixtures containing ¹⁴CO₂ under controlledconditions. Samples of the leaves were combusted and the ¹⁴Cin the CO₂ produced measured using a liquid scintillation counter.The results were used to estimate photosynthetic rates. Theeffects of changing the partial pressures of O₂ and CO₂ on thephotosynthetic rate were studied and estimates made of the CO₂compensation point and photorespiration. The data obtained show differences between the mean net photosyntheticrates of the C. arabica cultivars (6·14 mg CO₂ dm^–2h^–1) and the mean rate for the C. canephora cultivar (3·96mg CO₂ dm^–2 h^–1). The cultivar of the latter speciesphotorespired more rapidly than the cultivar Catuai of C. arabica.Rates of photosynthesis in coffee measured using the ¹⁴CO₂ methodwere similar to rates obtained by others using an infrared gasanalyser. The ¹⁴CO₂ method proved to be reliable for photosyntheticmeasurements and the apparatus is suitable for use in fieldconditions.     

Photosynthetic Nitrogen Metabolism in High and Low CO2-adapted Scenedesmus: I. INORGANIC CARBON-DEPENDENT O2 EVOLUTION, NITRATE UTILIZATION AND NITROGEN RECYCLING

Larsson, M., Larsson, C.-M. and Guerrero, M. G. 1985. Photosyntheticnitrogen metabolism in high and low CO₂-adapted Scenedesmus.I. Inorganic carbon-dependent O2 evolution, nitrate utilizationand nitrogen recycling.—J. exp Bot. 36: 1373–1386 Scenedesmus obtusiusculus Chod. was grown on an inorganic mediumflushed with either air or air supplemented with 3% CO₂. Inair-grown cells, O₂ evolution dependent on low, but not high,HCO^–₃ concentrations was strongly inhibited by the carbonicanhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide. Cells grown with 3% CO² exhibitedlow rates of O2 evolution at low external inorganic C; however,after 30 min in air O2 evolution rates at low inorganic C approachedthose of air-grown cells. These results are compatible withthe view that Scenedesmus develops a ‘CO² concentratingmechanism’ in air, with carbonic anhydrase as an importantconstituent When 3% CO²-grown cells were subjected to air-level of CO²,just a transient decline in NO^–₃ utilization was observed,but in the presence of acetazolamide the rate of the processdecreased drastically in response to the decrease in the CO²level. In CO²-free air NO₃^– was taken up at high ratesbut in a deregulated manner, leading to release of NH₄⁺. A portionof the NO₃^– taken up in the absence of CO² was apparentlyassimilated Cellular nitrate reductase (NR) activity initially decreasedbut subsequently recovered after a transition from 3% CO² toair. In the presence of acetazolamide, a persistent decreasein NR activity was observed. Cellular glutamine synthetase (GS)activity increased after transition from 3% CO² to air, theactivity increase being unaffected by acetazolamide. NH₄⁺ releaseto the medium in the presence of L-methionine-D, L-sulphoximine(MSO) transiently increased in 3% CO²-grown cells in responseto a transfer to air. MSO-induced NH₄⁺ release was in fact higherin air-grown cells than in 3% CO²-grown cells. Glycollate wasinitially released after transition from 3% CO² to air, butthere was no difference in glycollate release between MSO-treatedand untreated cells. In air-adapted Scenedesmus, N recyclingseems to be of minor importance in comparison to primary N assimilation Key words: CO²-fixation, N recycling, nitrate uptake, Scenedesmus     

Growth at elevated CO2 leads to down-regulation of photosynthesis and altered response to high temperature in Quercus suber L. seedlings

The effects of growth at elevated CO₂ on the response to hightemperatures in terms of carbon assimilation (net photosynthesis,stomatal conductance, amount and activity of Rubisco, and concentrationsof total soluble sugars and starch) and of photochemistry (forexample, the efficiency of excitation energy captured by openphotosystem II reaction centres) were studied in cork oak (Quercussuber L.). Plants grown in elevated CO₂ (700 ppm) showed a down-regulationof photosynthesis and had lower amounts and activity of Rubiscothan plants grown at ambient CO₂ (350 ppm), after 14 monthsin the greenhouse. At that time plants were subjected to a heat-shocktreatment (4 h at 45C in a chamber with 80% relative humidityand 800–1000 mol m^–2 s^–1 photon flux density).Growth in a CO₂-enriched atmosphere seems to protect cork oakleaves from the short-term effects of high temperature. ElevatedCO₂ plants had positive net carbon uptake rates during the heatshock treatment whereas plants grown at ambient CO₂ showed negativerates. Moreover, recovery was faster in high CO₂-grown plantswhich, after 30 min at 25C, exhibited higher net carbon uptakerates and lower decreases in photosynthetic capacity (A_max aswell as in the efficiency of excitation energy captured by openphotosystem II reaction centres (F_vJF_m than plants grown atambient CO₂. The stomata of elevated CO₂ plants were also lessresponsive when exposed to high temperature. Key words: Elevated CO₂, temperature, acclimation, photosynthesis, Quercus suber L.     

Effects of elevated CO2 concentration and climate-warming on photosynthesis during winter in Lolium perenne

Long-term effects of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration(ambient or 700 µmol mol^–1) and air temperature(simulation of field conditions or + 4 C) on leaf photosyntheticrate were examined in Lolium perenne L. cv. Vigor, exposed tonatural illumination during winter. Photosynthetic capacitywas compared over a range of air temperatures and photon fluxdensities of photosynthetically active radiation which wererepresentative of winter climate (5–15 C and 0–500µmol m^–2s^–1), with CO₂ level during measurementsimilar to that during the experimental period. Long-term exposureto increased air temperature reduced leaf CO₂ fixation capacityby 23% (averaged over all measurement conditions), resultingfrom a decline in lightsaturated uptake rate, but not in incident-lightquantum efficiency. CO₂- stimulation was largely absent in plantsgrown in ambient temperature, but pronounced in plants grownunder +4 C, where it compensated for two-thirds of the 23%drop. This enhancing effect of elevated CO₂ level on leaf CO₂uptake rate observed in the warmer treatment, was strongly dependenton measurement temperature, increasing from 5% at 5 C, to upto 32% at 15 C. Measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence anddry matter corresponded with the observed changes in assimilationcapacity, which could not be attributed to a deteriorated nitrogenstatus of the leaves as there was a similar N content on anarea basis. Several hypotheses are considered to explain theobserved CO₂-temperature interactions. Key words: Acclimation, chlorophyll fluorescence, elevated CO₂ level, global warming, low temperature     

Effect of CO2 Concentration on Growth of Sugar-beet, Barley, Kale, and Maize

Increasing the concentration of CO₂ in the air from the usual300 ppm to 1, 000 ppm in growth rooms with temperatures of 20°C during the 16-h light period and 15° C during the 8-hdark period increased the total dry weight of sugar-beet, barley,and kale by about 5o per cent. A further increase in CO, concentrationto 3, 300 ppm increased dry weight slightly more. These effectsoccurred with light intensities ranging from 3.7 to II.6 caldm–² min–¹ of visible radiation supplied by a mixtureof fluorescent and tungsten lamps, and were only slightly greaterwith the brighter light. Extra CO₂ also increased leaf area,though relatively less than dry weight, and the number of barleyshoots but not of sugar-beet or kale leaves; it decreased leaf-arearatio, specific leaf area, and the ratio of tops to roots. Maizewas taller with extra CO₂. Net assimilation rates in 1, 000 and 3, 300 ppm CO₂ were about20 and 30 per cent respectively greater than in 300 ppm. Uptakeof CO₂ in the light by complete tops and single leaves alsoincreased with increase in CO₂ concentration. Photosynthesisof leaves of plants recently transferred to a new CO₂ concentrationdepended only on that concentration and not on the originalone. Doubling the light intensity from 3.7 to 7.7 cal dm–²min–¹ affected dry weight, leaf area, net assimilationrate, etc., similarly to a tenfold increase in CO₂ concentration.     

Influence of Elevated CO2 and Temperature on the Photosynthesis and Respiration of White Clover Dependent on N2 Fixation

Single clonal plants of white clover (Trifolium repens L) grownfrom explants in a Perlite rooting medium, and dependent fornitrogen on N₂ fixation in root nodules, were grown for severalweeks in controlled environments which provided two regimesof CO₂, and temperature 23/18 °C day/night temperaturesat 680 µmol mol^–1 CO₂, (C680), and 20/15 °Cday/night temperatures at 340 µmol mol^–1 CO₂ (C340)After 3–4 weeks of growth, when the plants were acclimatedto the environmental regimes, leaf and whole-plant photosynthesisand respiration were measured using conventional infra-red gasanalysis techniques Elevated CO₂ and temperature increased ratesof photosynthesis of young, fully expanded leaves at the growthirradiance by 17–29%, despite decreased stomatal conductancesand transpiration rates Water use efficiency (mol CO₂ mol H₂O^–1)was also significantly increased Plants acclimated to elevatedCO₂, and temperature exhibited rates of leaf photosynthesisvery similar to those of C340 leaves ‘instantaneously’exposed to the C680 regime However, leaves developed in theC680 regime photosynthesised less rapidly than C340 leaves whenboth were exposed to a normal CO₂, and temperature environmentIn measurements where irradiance was varied, the enhancementof photosynthesis in elevated CO₂ at 23 °C increased graduallyfrom approx 10 % at 100 µmol m^–1 s^–1 to >27 % at 1170 µmol m^–2 s^–1 In parallel, wateruse efficiency increased by 20–40 % at 315 µmolm^–2 s^–1 In parallel, water use efficiency increasedby 20–40 % at 315 µmol m^–2 s^–1 In parallel,water use efficiency increased by 20–40 % at 315 µmolm^–2 s^–1 In parallel, water use efficiency increasedby 20–40 % at 315 µmol m^–2 s^–1 to approx100 % at the highest irradiance Elevated CO₂, and temperatureincreased whole-plant photosynthesis by > 40 %, when expressedin terms of shoot surface area or shoot weight No effects ofelevated CO₂ and temperature on rate of tissue respiration,either during growth or measurement, were established for singleleaves or for whole plants Dependence on N₂, fixation in rootnodules appeared to have no detrimental effect on photosyntheticperformance in elevated CO₂, and temperature Trifolium repens, white clover, photosynthesis, respiration, elevated CO₂, elevated temperature, water use efficiency, N₂ fixation     

Effect of CO2 Concentration During Growth on a CO2 Concentrating Mechanism in White Clover as Predicted from Differential 14CO2/12CO2Uptake

Lehnherr, B. M?chler, F. and N?sberger, J. 1985. Effect of CO₂concentration during growth on a CO₂ concentrating mechanismin white clover as predicted from differential ¹⁴CO₂/¹²CO² uptake.-J. exp. Bot. 36: 1835-1841. White clover was grown at 20 and100 Pa p(CO₂). The CO₂ response of net photosynthesis and differentialuptake of ¹⁴CO₂ and ¹²CO₂ by leaves were measured at varioustemperatures and at various O₂ and CO₂ partial pressures andcompared with predictions from ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenasekinetics. Discrepancies between the observed gas exchange characteristicsfor the leaves and those predicted from the enzyme kineticswere interpreted as being due to a CO₂ concentrating mechanism.Plants grown at 20 Pa p(CO₂) showed a higher affinity for CO₂than plants grown at 100 Pa p(CO₂) when measured at 10 ?C. Nodifference in affinity was found at 30 ?C. The postulated CO₂concentrating effect was greater in plants grown at low CO₂than in plants grown at high CO₂ concentration and occurredonly at low temperature and low CO₂ partial pressure. It issuggested that plants grown at the lower CO₂ partial pressurehave a higher affinity for CO₂ due to a more efficient CO₂ concentratingsystem than plants grown at the higher CO₂ partial pressure. Key words: Photosynthesis, CO₂, concentration, RuBP carboxylase/oxygenase     

Response of Soybean Canopy Photosynthesis to CO2 Concentration, Light, and Temperature

Photosynthetic rates of outdoor-grown soybean (Glycine max L.Merr. cv. Bragg) canopies increased with increasing CO₂ concentrationduring growth, before and after canopy closure (complete lightinterception), when measured over a wide range of solar irradiancevalues. Total canopy leaf area was greater as the CO₂ concentrationduring growth was increased from 160 to 990 mm³ dm^–3.Photosynthetic rates of canopies grown at 330 and 660 mm³ CO₂dm^–3 were similar when measured at the same CO₂ concentrationsand high irradiance. There was no difference in ribulose bisphosphatecarboxylase/oxygenase (rubisco) activity or ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate(RuBP) concentration between plants grown at the two CO₂ concentrations.However, photosynthetic rates averaged 87% greater for the canopiesgrown and measured at 660 mm³ CO₂ dm^–3. A 10°C differencein air temperature during growth resulted in only a 4°Cleaf temperature difference, which was insufficient to changethe photosynthetic rate or rubisco activity in canopies grownand measured at either 330 or 660 mm³ CO₂ dm^–3. RuBP concentrationsdecreased as air temperature during growth was increased atboth CO₂ concentrations. These data indicate that the increasedphotosynthetic rates of soybean canopies at elevated CO₂ aredue to several factors, including: more rapid development ofthe leaf area index; a reduction in substrate CO₂ limitation;and no downward acclimation in photosynthetic capacity, as occurin some other species. Key words: CO₂ concentration, soybean, canopy photosynthesis     

The Conductance of the Plasmalemma for CO2

Permeability coefficients (P_S values) for CO₂ of the plasmamembrane (PM) of the unicellular green algae Eremosphaera viridis,Dunaliella parva, and Dunaliella acidophila, and of mesophyllprotoplasts isolated from Valerianella locusta were determinedfrom ¹⁴CO₂ uptake experiments using the rapid separation ofcells by the silicone oil layer centrifugation technique. Theexperimental P_S values were compared with calculated numbersobtained by interpolation of Collander plots, which are basedon lipid solubility and molecular size, for D. parva cells,mesophyll protoplasts isolated from Spinacia oleracea, mesophyllcells and guard cells of Valerianella, and guard cell protoplastsisolated from Vicia faba. The conductivity of algal plasma membranes for CO₂ varies between0.1 and 9 ? 10^–6 m s^–1, whereas for the plasmalemmaof cells and protoplasts isolated from leaves of higher plantsvalues between 0.3 and 11 ? 10^–6 m s^–1 were measured.By assuming that these measurements are representative for plantsand algae in general, it is concluded that the CO₂ conductivityof algal PM is of the same order of magnitude as that of thehigher plant cell PM. P_s values of plasma membranes for CO₂are lower than those for SO₂, but are in the same order of magnitudeas those measured for H₂O. On the basis of these results itis concluded that theoretical values of about 3000 ? 10^–6m s^–1 believed to be representative for higher plant cells(Nobel, 1983) and which are frequently used for computer-basedmodels of photosynthesis, lack experimental confirmation andrepresent considerable overestimations. However, with severalsystems, including higher plant cells, the conductance of thePM for CO₂ was significantly higher in light than in darkness.This suggests that in light, additional mechanisms for CO₂ uptakesuch as facilitated diffusion or active uptake may operate inparallel with diffusional uptake. Key words: Conductivity, CO₂, permeability coefficient, photosynthesis, plasmalemma