Abstract.
Growth and photosynthetic responses of dwarf apple saplings (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Fuji) acclimated to 3 years of exposure to contrasting atmospheric CO2 concentrations (360 and 650 µmol mol–1) in combination with current ambient or elevated (ambient +5°C) temperature patterns were determined. Four 1-year-old apple saplings grafted onto M.9 rootstocks were each enclosed in late fall 1997 in a controlled environment unit in nutrient-optimal soil. Soil moisture regimes were automatically controlled by drip irrigation scheduled at 50 kPa of soil moisture tension. For the elevated CO2 concentration alone, overall tree growth was suppressed. However, tree growth was slightly enhanced when warmer temperatures were combined with the elevated CO2 concentration. Neither temperature nor CO2 concentration affected leaf chlorophyll content and stomatal density. The elevated CO2 concentration decreased mean leaf area, but increased starch accumulation, thus resulting in a higher specific dry mass of leaves. An elevated temperature reduced starch accumulation. Light-saturated rates of leaf photosynthesis were suppressed due to the elevated CO2 concentration, but this effect was removed or enhanced with warmer temperatures. The elevated CO2 concentration increased the optimum temperature for photosynthesis by ca. 4°C, while the warmer temperature did not. The results of this study suggested that the long-term adaptation of apple saplings to growth at an elevated CO2 concentration may be associated with a potential for increased growth and productivity, if a doubling of the CO2 concentration also leads to elevated temperatures.
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Ro, HM., Kim, PG., Lee, IB. et al. Photosynthetic characteristics and growth responses of dwarf apple (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Fuji) saplings after 3 years of exposure to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration and temperature. Trees 15, 195–203 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004680100099
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004680100099