Effects of elevated CO2 on net photosynthetic rate of trees in Changbai Mountain

Net photosynthetic rates (NPRs) of four species seedlings,Pinus koraiensis, Pinus sylvestriformis, Fraxinus mandshurica andPhellodendron amurense, were measured at different CO₂ concentrations and time respectively in Changbai Mountain during the growing season in 1999. The seedlings were cultivated in open-top chambers (OTCs), located outdoors and exposed to natural sunlight. The experimental objects were divided into four groups by tree species. CO₂ concentrations in chambers were kept at 500 μL·L⁻¹ and 700 μL·L⁻¹ and contrast chamber and contrast field were set. The results showed that the effects of elevated CO₂ on NPR of the trees strongly depended on tree species and time. NPRs ofPinus koreainsis andPinus sylvestriformis seedlings increased with the rising of CO₂ concentration, while that ofPhellodendron amurense andFraxinus mandshurica increased at some time and decreased at another time. This project was supported by Chinese Academy of Sciences Responsible editor: Chai Ruihai