Effects of elevated CO2 concentration on growth and photosynthesis of Chinese yam under different temperature regimes

Chinese yam (‘yam’) was grown at different carbon dioxide concentrations ([CO₂]), namely, ambient and elevated (ambient + 200 μmol mol^?1), under low- and high-temperature regimes in summer and autumn, separately. For comparison, rice was also grown under these conditions. Mean air temperatures in the low- and high-temperatures were respectively 24.1 and 29.1 °C in summer experiment and 20.2 and 24.9 °C in autumn experiment. In summer experiment, yam vine length, leaf area, leaf dry weight (DW), and total DW were significantly higher under elevated [CO₂] than ambient [CO₂] in both temperature regimes. Additionally, number of leaves, vine DW, and root DW were significantly higher under elevated [CO₂] than under ambient [CO₂] in the low-temperature regime. In autumn experiment, tuber DW was significantly higher under elevated [CO₂] than under ambient [CO₂] in the high-temperature regime. These results demonstrate that yam shows positive growth responses to elevated [CO₂]. Analysis of variance revealed that significant effect of [CO₂] × air temperature interaction on yam total DW was not detected. Elevated-to-ambient [CO₂] ratios of all growth parameters in summer experiment were higher in yam than in rice. The results suggest that the contribution of elevated [CO₂] is higher in yam than in rice under summer. Yam net photosynthetic rate was significantly higher under elevated [CO₂] than under ambient [CO₂] in both temperature regimes in summer. Elevated [CO₂] significantly affected on the rate in yam but not in rice in both experiments. These findings indicate that photosynthesis responds more readily to elevated [CO₂] in yam than in rice.     

Effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration on morphology of leaf blades in Chinese yam

ABSTRACT

The effects of elevated carbon dioxide concentration on the morphology of leaf blades in two Chinese yam lines under different temperature conditions were determined. Plants were grown under two [CO₂] levels, ambient (about 400 µmol mol^?1) and elevated (ambient + 200 µmol mol^?1) in the daytime, and two mean air temperature regimes, approximately ambient temperature (22.2°C) and high temperature (25.6°C). The palisade layer was thicker under elevated [CO₂] than under ambient [CO₂] in both temperature regimes, and the whole yam leaf blade was thicker under elevated [CO₂] than under ambient [CO₂] in the approximately ambient temperature regime. The numbers of chloroplasts per palisade cell and spongy cell as well as per unit profile area of palisade cell, number of starch grains per chloroplast, profile area of the starch grain, and starch-to-chloroplast area ratio in both palisade and spongy cells were higher under elevated [CO₂] than under ambient [CO₂] in both temperature regimes. Furthermore, the stomatal density on the abaxial side of the leaf blade in Chinese yam was greater under elevated [CO₂] than under ambient [CO₂] under both temperature regimes, and stomatal-pore length was higher under elevated [CO₂] than under ambient [CO₂] in the approximately ambient temperature regime. These results indicate that elevated [CO₂] positively affects the photosynthetic apparatus. The results of this study provide information for understanding the response characteristics of the leaf blade under elevated [CO₂] and a possible explanation for the positive photosynthetic responses of Chinese yam to elevated [CO₂] in our previous study.

List of Abbreviations:[CO₂]: carbon dioxide concentration     

Elevated carbon dioxide and temperature effects on rice yield,leaf greenness,and phenological stages duration

The present field experiment was conducted during two consecutive cropping seasons in central Portugal to study the effects of simultaneous elevation of carbon dioxide concentration ([CO₂]) (550 μmol mol^?1) and air temperature (+2–3 °C) on japonica rice (Oryza sativa L. “Ariete”) yield, crop duration, and SPAD-values across the seasons compared with the open-field condition. Open-top chambers were used in the field to assess the effect of elevated air temperature alone or the combined effect of elevated air temperature and atmospheric [CO₂]. Open-field condition was assessed with randomized plots under ambient air temperature and actual atmospheric [CO₂] (average 382 μmol mol^?1). Results obtained showed that the rice “Ariete” had a moderate high yielding under open-field condition, but was susceptible to air temperature rise of +2–3 °C under controlled conditions resulting in reduction of grain yield. The combined increase of atmospheric [CO₂] with elevated air temperature compensated for the negative effect of temperature rise alone and crop yield was higher than in the open-field. SPAD-readings at reproductive stage explained by more than 60 % variation the straw dry matter, but this finding requires further studies for consolidation. It can be concluded that potential increase in air temperature may limit rice yield in the near future under Mediterranean areas where climate change scenario poses a serious threat, but long term field experiments are required.     

Effect of CO2 Concentration,Temperature and N Fertilization on Biomass Production of Soybean Genotypes Differing in N Fixation Capacity

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that elevated CO₂ concentration [CO₂]-induced enhancement of biomass production of soybean is greater in a genotype that has a higher nitrogen (N) fixation capacity. Furthermore, we analyzed theinteractive effects of N fertilization, temperature and [CO₂] on biomass production. Three genetically related genotypes: Enrei (normally-nodulating genotype), Kanto 100 (supernodulating genotype), and En1282 (non-nodulating genotype) were grown in pots, with or without N fertilizer for two years (2004, 2005). They were then subjected to two different [CO₂] (ambient and elevated (ambient + 200 ?mol mol-¹)) × two temperature regimes (low,high (low + 4~5ºC)). Top dry weight at maturity was the greatest in the elevated [CO₂] × high temperature regime, irrespective of genotype and N fertilization. The [CO₂] elevation generally enhanced N acquisition and dry matter production during the vegetative growth stage, and the enhancement was more pronounced in the nodulating genotypes (Enrei and Kanto 100) than in the non-nodulating genotype (En1282), indicating that N supply through N fixation contributes to elevated [CO₂]-induced biomass production in soybean. However, the relative responsiveness ofbiomass production to elevated [CO₂] was not necessarily higher in the supernodulating genotype than the normally-nodulating genotype. The N utilization efficiency to produce biomass was inferior in the supernodulating genotype than in the normally-nodulating and non-nodulating genotypes. These results did not fully verify the hypothesis that elevated [CO₂]-induced enhancement of biomass production of soybean is greater in a genotype with a higher N fixation capacity.     

The Effect of Elevated Atmospheric CO2 Concentration on Two Populus Clones Grown in a FACE System

SUMMARY

Two poplar clones, hybrid Populus deltoides Bartr. Ex Marsh X Populus nigra L. (Populus xeuramericana), clone I-214, and Populus deltoides, clone Lux, were grown from hardwood cuttings for one growing season in either ambient (360 μmol mol^?1) or elevated (560 μmol mol^?1) [CO₂] in FACE-systemrings at Rapolano Terme (Siena, Italy). Both clones I-214 and Lux exhibited a higher aboveground bio-mass, photosynthesis at light saturation and instantaneous transpiration efficiency (ITE) in CO₂-enriched air. The elevated [CO₂]-induced responses of clone I-214 included increased investment in branch and leaf biomass, and enhanced stem volume. The elevated [CO₂]-induced responses of clone Lux included an increase in the number of branches (and foliage area). Indication of photosynthetic acclimation under elevated [CO₂] was found during the early morning, but only in clone I-214. Stomatal conductance decreased under elevated [CO₂] particularly in clone Lux. Clone differences in response to elevated [CO₂] should be taken in account when planning future poplar plantations in forecast warmer and drier Mediterranean sites.     

Interactive Effects of Elevated Atmospheric CO2 and Waterlogging on Vegetative Growth of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

Abstract

Waterlogging is a major predicted agricultural problem for crop production in some areas under current climate change, but no studies are available on the interactive effects of waterlogging and elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentration ([CO₂]). We hypothesized that elevated [CO₂] could alleviate the damage caused by waterlogging, and tested the hypothesis using vegetative growth of soybean (Glycine max) in 10 experiments (different sowing time and different soil type) conducted at Morioka and Tsukuba for three years. The 2-week-old plants grown under elevated and ambient [CO₂] were exposed to waterlogging for 2 weeks. Total dry weight at the end of the treatment was higher under elevated [CO₂] than under ambient [CO₂], and it was significantly reduced by waterlogging under both levels of [CO₂], without significant [CO₂]×waterlogging interactions, at both locations. The negative effects of the waterlogging were greater in root dry weight than in top dry weight, and the root exudation per unit root dry weight was also reduced by waterlogging, without a [CO₂] ×waterlogging interaction. Therefore, the hypothesis of a [CO₂]×waterlogging interaction can be rejected, and provide an important basis for predicting future damage caused by waterlogging under elevated [CO₂] conditions.     

Effects of Elevated Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Concentration on Silica Deposition in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Panicle

Abstract

The effects of elevated carbon dioxide concentration ([CO₂]) on silica deposition on husk epidermis of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Akitakomachi) during the flowering stage were investigated in this study. The study was motivated by the concept that the rice yield maybe affected by global warming as a result of elevated [CO₂] environment since sterility of rice is related to the panicle silica content that influences transpiration, and elevated [CO₂] could affect plant transpiration. Silica deposition analysis was focused on the flowering stage of the rice crop grown hydroponically under two [CO₂] conditions: 350 μmol mol-¹ (ambient) and 700 μmol mol-¹ (elevated). Silica deposition on the husk epidermis from three parts of the panicle at four flowering stages were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) combined with an energy dispersive X-ray microanalyzer (EDX). The results demonstrated that elevated [CO₂] significantly suppressed silica deposition on the husk epidermis at the lower part of the panicle, and at the early flowering stage when 1/3 of the panicle emerged from the leaf sheath. In the transverse section analysis of the husk, silica deposition on the husk epidermis under elevated [CO₂] was less than that under ambient [CO₂] at the late flowering stage. The less silica deposition observed on the husks at the late flowering stage under elevated [CO₂] might be related to the suppressed transpiration from the panicle by elevated [CO₂] found in a previous study.     

Yield formation of CO2-enriched hybrid rice cultivar Shanyou 63 under fully open-air field conditions

Hybrid indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars play an important role in rice production system due to its heterosis, resistance to environmental stress, large panicle and high yield potential. However, no attention has been given to its yield responses to rising atmospheric [CO₂] in conjunction with nitrogen (N) availability. Therefore we conducted a free air CO₂ enrichment (FACE) experiment at Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China (119°42′0′′E, 32°35′5′′N), in 2004–2006. A three-line hybrid indica rice cv. Shanyou 63 was grown at ambient and elevated (ca. 570 μmol mol⁻¹) [CO₂] under two levels of supplemental N (12.5 g Nm⁻² and 25 g Nm⁻²). Elevated [CO₂] had no effect on phenology, but substantially enhanced grain yield (+34%). The magnitude of yield response to [CO₂] was independent of N fertilization, but varied among different years. On average, elevated [CO₂] increased the panicle number per square meter by 10%, due to an increase in maximum tiller number under enrich [CO₂], while productive tiller ratio remained unaffected. Spikelet number per panicle also showed an average increase of 10% due to elevated [CO₂], which was supported by increased plant height and stem dry weight per tiller. Meanwhile, elevated [CO₂] caused a significant enhancement in both filled spikelet percentage (+5%) and individual grain weight (+4%). Compared with the two prior FACE studies on rice, hybrid indica rice cultivar appears to profit much more from elevated [CO₂] than japonica rice cultivar (ca. +13%), not only due to its stronger sink generation, but also enhanced capacity to utilize the carbon sources in a high [CO₂] environment. The above data has significant implication with respect to N strategies and cultivar selection under projected future [CO₂] levels.     

High-temperature-tolerant mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) lines produce better yields when exposed to higher CO2 levels

Increasing global air temperatures, along with rising CO₂ levels, are causing concerns about reducing available freshwater resources and altering cropping patterns. They may influence overall growth and production pattern of crop plants. These likely changes would become major limiting factors for future sustainable food production largely in the tropics and subtropics. Thus, understanding physiological responses hold the key to determining the functional relationship between the environment and crop performance. We explore here the impact of rising CO₂ on the growth and yield traits of a few selected high-temperature (HT)-tolerant mungbean lines, which we earlier screened for HT tolerance using a physiological assay under managed growth conditions. The HT-tolerant lines grown under elevated CO₂ levels (550 and 700 μL L^?1) showed a considerable improvement in growth rates (13.5%, 67.8%, and 46.5% in plant height, leaf area, and total dry matter, respectively) and pod and seed yield (48.7% and 31.7%, respectively), compared to local checks under the same environments. Interestingly, the symptoms of accelerated pod maturity were also observed in most of these lines. The outcome of the study would undoubtedly open up opportunities for increased yield potentials of legumes under the conditions of the warming climate and elevated levels of carbon dioxide.     

Simulation of the effects of genotype and N availability on rice growth and yield response to an elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration

The objective of this study was to identify physiological processes that result in genotypic and N fertilization effects on rice yield response to elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentrations ([CO₂]). This study conducted growth and yield simulations for 9 rice genotypes grown at 4 climatically different sites in Asia, assuming the current atmospheric [CO₂] (360 ppm) and elevated [CO₂] (700 ppm) using 5 levels of N fertilizer (4, 8, 12, 16, 20 g m⁻² N fertilizer). A rice growth model that was developed and already validated for 9 different genotypes grown under 7 sites in Asia was used for the simulation, integrating additional components into the model to explain the direct effect of [CO₂] on several physiological processes. The model predicted that the relative yield response to elevated [CO₂] (RY, the ratio of yield under 700 ppm [CO₂] to that under 360 ppm [CO₂]) increased with increasing N fertilizer, ranging from 1.12 at 4 g m⁻² N fertilizer to 1.22 at 20 g m⁻² N fertilizer, averaged overall genotypes and locations. The model also predicted a large genotypic variation in RY at the 20 g N treatment, ranging from 1.08 for ‘WAB450-I-B-P-38-HB’ to 1.41 for ‘Takanari’ averaged overall locations. Combining all genotypes grown at the 5N fertilization conditions, a close 1:1 relationship was predicted between RY and the relative [CO₂] response in spikelet number for crops with a small number of spikelets (less than 30,000 m⁻²) under the current atmospheric [CO₂] (n = 18, r = 0.89^***). In contrast, crops with a large number of spikelets under the current atmospheric [CO₂] showed a significantly larger RY than the relative [CO₂] response for spikelet number per unit area. The model predicted that crops with a larger number of spikelets under the current atmospheric [CO₂] derived great benefit from elevated [CO₂] by directly allocating increased carbohydrate to their large, vacant sink, whereas crops with a smaller number of spikelets primarily required an increased spikelet number to use the increased carbohydrate to fill grains. The simulation analyses suggested that rice with a larger sink capacity relative to source availability under the current atmospheric [CO₂] showed a larger yield response to elevated [CO₂], irrespective of whether genotype or N availability was the major factor for the large sink capacity under the current [CO₂]. The model predicted that the RY response to nitrogen was brought about through the N effects on spikelet number and non-structural carbohydrate accumulation. The genotypic variation in RY was related to differences in spikelet differentiation efficiency per unit plant N content. Further model validation about the effects of [CO₂] on growth processes is required to confirm these findings considering data from experimental studies.     

The impact of free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) and nitrogen supply on grain quality of rice

Because CO₂ is needed for plant photosynthesis, the increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentration ([CO₂]) has the potential to enhance the growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.), but little is known regarding the impact of elevated [CO₂] on grain quality of rice, especially under different N availability. In order to investigate the interactive effects of [CO₂] and N supply on rice quality, we conducted a free-air CO₂ enrichment (FACE) experiment at Wuxi, Jiangsu, China, in 2001–2003. A long-duration rice japonica with large panicle (cv. Wuxiangging 14) was grown at ambient or elevated (ca. 200 μmol mol⁻¹ above ambient) [CO₂] under three levels of N: low (LN, 15 g N m²), medium (MN, 25 g N m²) and high N (HN, 35 g N m² (2002, 2003)). The MN level was similar to that recommended to local farmers. FACE significant increased rough (+12.8%), brown (+13.2%) and milled rice yield (+10.7%), while markedly reducing head rice yield (−13.3%); FACE caused serious deterioration of processing suitability (milled rice percentage −2.0%; head rice percentage −23.5%) and appearance quality (chalky grain percentage +16.9%; chalkiness degree +28.3%) drastically; the nutritive value of grains was also negatively influenced by FACE due to a reduction in protein (−6.0%) and Cu content (−20.0%) in milled rice. By contrast, FACE resulted in better eating/cooking quality (amylose content −3.8%; peak viscosity +4.5%, breakdown +2.9%, setback −27.5%). These changes in grain quality revealed that hardness of grain decreased with elevated [CO₂] while cohesiveness and resilience increased when cooked. Overall, N supply had significant influence on rice yield with maximum value occurring at MN, whereas grain quality was less responsive to the N supply, showing trends of better appearance and eating/cooking quality for LN or MN-crops as compared with HN-crops. For most cases, no [CO₂] × N interaction was detected for yield and quality parameters. These data suggested that the current recommended rates of N fertilization for rice production should not be modified under projected future [CO₂] levels, at least for the similar conditions of this experiment.     

Effects of free air carbon dioxide enrichment and nitrogen supply on growth and yield of winter barley cultivated in a crop rotation

The increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentration [CO₂] has been demonstrated to stimulate growth of C₃ crops. Although barley is one of the important cereals of the world, little information exists about the effect of elevated [CO₂] on grain yield of this crop, and realistic data from field experiments are lacking. Therefore, winter barley was grown within a crop rotation over two rotation cycles (2000 and 2003) at present and elevated [CO₂](375 ppm and 550 ppm) and at two levels of nitrogen supply (adequate (N2): 262 kg ha⁻¹ in 1st year and 179 kg ha⁻¹ in 2nd year) and 50% of adequate (N1)). The experiments were carried out in a free air CO₂ enrichment (FACE) system in Braunschweig, Germany. The reduction in nitrogen supply decreased seasonal radiation absorption of the green canopy under ambient [CO₂] by 23%, while CO₂ enrichment had a positive effect under low nitrogen (+8%). Radiation use efficiency was increased by CO₂ elevation under both N levels (+12%). The CO₂ effect on final above ground biomass was similar for both nitrogen treatments (N1: +16%; N2: +13%). CO₂ enrichment did not affect leaf biomass, but increased ear and stem biomass. In addition, final stem dry weight was higher under low (+27%) than under high nitrogen (+13%). Similar findings were obtained for the amount of stem reserves available during grain filling. Relative CO₂ response of grain yield was independent of nitrogen supply (N1: +13%; N2: +12%). The positive CO₂ effect on grain yield was primarily due to a higher grain number, while changes of individual grain weight were small. This corresponds to the findings that under low nitrogen grain growth was unaffected by CO₂ and that under adequate nitrogen the positive effect on grain filling rate was counterbalanced by shortening of grain filling duration.     

Impact of elevated CO2 concentration on inter-subspecific hybrid rice cultivar Liangyoupeijiu under fully open-air field conditions

Hybrid rice cultivar plays an important role in rice production system due to its high yield potential and resistance to environmental stress. Quantification of its responses to rising CO₂ concentration ([CO₂]) will reduce our uncertainty in predicting future food security and assist in development of adaptation strategies. Using free air CO₂ enrichment (FACE), we measured seasonal changes in growth and nitrogen (N) uptake of an inter-subspecific hybrid rice cultivar Liangyoupeijiu grown under two levels of [CO₂] (ambient and elevated by 200 μmol mol⁻¹) and two levels of N fertilization in 2005–2006. Average across the 2 years, FACE increased crop growth rate similarly by 22%, 24% and 23% in the periods from transplanting to panicle initiation (PI), PI to heading and heading to maturity, which was mainly attributed to an increase in green leaf area index rather than the greater net assimilation rate. Grain yield increased greatly under FACE as a result of similar contributions by panicle number per unit area, grain number per panicle and individual grain yield. Final aboveground N acquisition showed a 10.4% increase under FACE, which resulted from enhanced N uptake at both vegetative and reproductive growth stages. Compared with previous FACE studies on final productivity of two inbred japonica cultivars, inter-subspecific hybrid cultivar appears to profit more from elevated [CO₂], which mainly resulted from its greater enhancement in photosynthetic production during reproductive growth due to a lack of N limitations late in the season.     

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain proteome response to elevated [CO2] varies between genotypes

The impact of rising carbon dioxide concentration ([CO₂]) in the atmosphere on wheat grain protein concentration and proteome was investigated in this study. Wheat genotypes (H45, SB003, SB062 and Yitpi) were grown in the Australian Grains Free-Air CO₂ Enrichment (AGFACE) facility, Horsham, Victoria, Australia under ambient [CO₂] (a[CO₂], 391 μmol mol⁻¹) and elevated [CO₂] (e[CO₂], 550 ± 20 μmol mol⁻¹). Grain yield and grain protein concentration were measured. Global grain proteome comparison was carried out using stable isotope dimethyl labelling followed by liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Grain yield was significantly increased at e[CO₂], whereas protein concentration was significantly decreased and responses varied between genotypes. Proteome-wide analysis revealed that protein composition was also altered under e[CO₂]. Grain protein concentration and composition of SB003 was very responsive to e[CO₂]. Mainly storage proteins were decreased at e[CO₂] and the responses varied between genotypes. These findings suggest that e[CO₂] may have a major impact on grain protein quality and thus bread quality and human and animal nutrition. Further, these findings suggest that [CO₂] insensitive cultivars can be identified for grain quality improvement under changing climate.     

低温胁迫下外源CaCl2对玉米种子萌发及幼苗生长的影响

以杂C-546为试材,采用10、20、40、80、160 mmol/L外源CaCl_2浸种和叶面喷施不同浓度处理种子,比较分析低温胁迫下玉米种子发芽率、发芽势、发芽指数和幼苗叶片相对电导率、可溶性蛋白、Pn、Fv/Fm、POD和SOD活性等生理生化指标的变化。结果表明,在低温抑制玉米幼苗生长条件下,一定浓度CaCl_2(10~80 mmol/L)处理可降低玉米幼苗生长伤害程度。80 mmol/L CaCl_2浸种处理对玉米低温胁迫的缓解效果最佳,与对照比较,发芽率提高8%,发芽势提高24.6%,发芽指数提高33.2,相对电导率降低51.8%,可溶性蛋白含量增加76.3%,SOD活性增加35.7%。适宜浓度的CaCl_2在低温条件下可促进玉米种子的萌发,降低低温对玉米幼苗造成的伤害。     

Heat-tolerant rice cultivars retain grain appearance quality under free-air CO2 enrichment

Background

Heat-tolerant rice cultivars have been developed as a countermeasure to poor grain appearance quality under high temperatures. Recent studies showed that elevated CO₂ concentrations (E-[CO₂]) also reduce grain quality. To determine whether heat-tolerant cultivars also tolerate E-[CO₂], we conducted a free-air CO₂ enrichment (FACE) experiment with 12 rice cultivars differing in heat tolerance.

Results

The percentage of undamaged grains of five standard cultivars (Akitakomachi, Kinuhikari, Koshihikari, Matsuribare, Nipponbare) averaged 61.7% in the ambient [CO₂] (AMB) plot and 51.7% in the FACE plot, whereas that of heat-tolerant cultivars (Eminokizuna, Wa2398, Kanto 257, Toyama 80, Mineharuka, Kanto 259, Saikai 290) averaged 73.5% in AMB and 71.3% in FACE. This resulted in a significant [CO₂] by cultivar interaction. The percentage of white-base or white-back grains increased from 8.4% in AMB to 17.1% in FACE in the sensitive cultivars, but from only 2.1% in AMB to only 4.4% in FACE in the heat-tolerant cultivars.

Conclusion

Heat-tolerant cultivars retained their grain appearance quality at E-[CO₂] under present air temperatures. Further improvements in appearance quality under present conditions will be needed to achieve improvements under E-[CO₂], because E-[CO₂] will likely lower the threshold temperature for heat stress.     

Effects of water vapor pressure difference on leaf gas exchange in potato and sorghum at ambient and elevated carbon dioxide under field conditions

High leaf to air water vapor pressure differences often substantially reduce rates of assimilation of carbon dioxide, especially in C₃ species. Rising concentrations of carbon dioxide [CO₂] in the atmosphere could reduce the sensitivity of assimilation rate to partial stomatal closure caused by high vapor pressure difference by a variety of mechanisms. However, field data addressing this question are scarce. In this study, we examined day-to-day variation in midday gas exchange rates of upper canopy leaves of potato and sorghum grown at the current ambient [CO₂] and ambient+350 μmol mol⁻¹ [CO₂] in field plots. Stomatal conductance and assimilation rate were negatively correlated with vapor pressure difference across days. Assimilation rate was not less sensitive to vapor pressure difference at elevated than at ambient [CO₂] in either species. For both potato and sorghum short-term increases in vapor pressure difference for individual leaves produced significantly smaller responses of leaf gas exchange than did the day-to-day variation in vapor pressure difference, again with no reduced sensitivity at elevated [CO₂]. The smaller response of gas exchange to short-term manipulations of vapor pressure difference than to day-to-day variation may indicate that much of the response to high vapor pressure difference apparent in the day-to-day variation resulted from leaf water deficits caused by exposure of the whole canopy to high vapor pressure difference, rather than from direct effects of high water vapor pressure difference. The lack of a [CO₂] effect on the sensitivity of assimilation rate to vapor pressure difference, and the substantial sensitivity of assimilation rate to vapor pressure difference in the C₄ species both resulted from reductions in assimilation at a given internal [CO₂] at high vapor pressure difference. An implication of these results is that that high leaf to air water vapor pressure difference may continue to be a major limitation to assimilation rates in C₃ and C₄ crop species even at twice the current concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.     

Seasonal changes in the effects of free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) on phosphorus uptake and utilization of rice at three levels of nitrogen fertilization

Over time, the relative effect of elevated [CO₂] on the photosynthesis and dry matter (DM) production of rice crops is likely to be changed with increasing duration of CO₂ exposure. However, there is no systemic information on interactive effects of elevated [CO₂] and nitrogen (N) supply on seasonal changes in phosphorus (P) nutrient of rice crops. In order to investigate the interactive effects of these two factors on seasonal changes in plant P concentration, uptake, efficiency and allocation, a free-air CO₂ enrichment (FACE) experiment was conducted at Wuxi, Jiangsu, China, in 2001–2003. A japonica cultivar with large panicle was grown at ambient or elevated (ca. 200 μmol mol⁻¹ above ambient) [CO₂] and supplied with three levels of N: low (LN, 15 g N m²), medium (MN, 25 g N m²) and high N (HN, 35 g N m² (2002, 2003)). The MN level was similar to that recommended to local farmers. FACE significantly increased shoot P concentration (dry base) over the season, the average responses varied between 7.3% and 16.2%. Shoot P uptake responses to FACE declined gradually with crop development, with average responses of 57%, 51%, 37%, 26% and 11% on average during the growth periods from transplanting to early-tillering (Period I), early-tillering to mid-tillering (Period II), mid-tillering to panicle initiation (Period III), panicle initiation to heading (Period IV) and heading to grain maturity (Period V), respectively. Seasonal changes in shoot P uptake ratio (i.e., the ratio of shoot P uptake during a given growth period to final shoot P acquisition at grain maturity) responses to FACE followed a similar pattern to that of shoot P uptake, with average responses of 19%, 14%, 3%, −5% and −16% in Periods I, II, III, IV and V of the growth period, respectively. As a result, FACE enhanced shoot P uptake by 33% at grain maturity. P allocation patterns among above-ground organs were not altered by FACE before heading, but it was modified after heading, with a shift in P allocation patterns towards vegetative organ. FACE resulted in the significant decrease in P-use efficiency for biomass across the season and P-use efficiency for grain yield and P harvest index at grain maturity. Generally, there were no interactions between [CO₂] and N supply on above P nutrient variables measured. Data from this study has important implications for P management in rice production systems under future elevated [CO₂] conditions.     

Promotion of Seedling Growth of Seeds of Rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Hitomebore) by Treatment with H2O2 before Sowing

Abstract

High germinability of seeds and establishment of young seedlings in rice (Oryza sativa L.) are necessary for direct seeding in paddy fields. We investigated whether germinability and seedling growth were promoted by treatment of rice seeds (cv. Hitomebore) with hydrogen peroxide solution (H₂O₂) during the imbibition for 24 h. H₂O₂ treatment with 50 mM H₂O₂ promoted seed germination, and seedling growth (shoot length, root length and shoot fresh weight) in agar culture under a low temperature condition (18°C day/14°C night). Seedling growth was promoted by H₂O₂ treatment not only under the low-temperature condition but also under a normal (23°C day/18°C night) temperature condition. Furthermore, H₂O₂ treatment promoted seedling growth under a flooding condition in a greenhouse. These results suggest that H₂O₂ treatment of rice seeds during the imbibition is advantageous for direct seeding. We discussed the relation between the promotion of the seed germinability and the seedling growth under a low-temperature condition, and the expression of some genes encoding ROS scavenger enzymes induced by H₂O₂ treatment.     

NADPH Oxidases Act as Key Enzyme on Germination and Seedling Growth in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in seed germination. Although hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), a type of ROS, enhances the germination rate of various plant seeds, little is known about the mechanism. NADPH oxidases catalyze the production of superoxide anion (O₂^-) that is one of the ROS and the enzymes regulate plant development. We, therefore, investigated the role of NADPH oxidases in seed germination and seedling growth in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The production of O₂^- was observed both in embryo and aleurone layers in barley seeds treated with distilled water (DW). However, it was suppressed in seeds treated with diphenylene iodonium (DPI) chloride, NADPH oxidase inhibitor. Moreover, DPI markedly delayed germination and remarkably suppressed α-amylase activity in barley seeds, indicating the importance of NADPH oxidases in germination of barley seeds. The gene expression and the enzyme activity of NADPH oxidases gradually increased after imbibition, and the enzyme activities were closely correlated with seedling growth after imbibition. Besides, DPI markedly suppressed the seedling growth. These results indicated that NADPH oxidases perform a crucial function in germination and seedling growth in barley. These facts clearly reveal that O₂^- produced by NADPH oxidases after imbibition regulates seed germination and seedling growth in barley.