High temperature effects on gas exchange for the invasive buffel grass (Pennisetum ciliare [L.] Link)

Buffel grass was introduced to the Sonoran Desert in the mid-twentieth century, where it has aggressively invaded new areas. Given its ecological success at a place where the air temperature can approach 50°C, the effects of high air temperatures on gas exchange were studied for this species. The carbon dioxide uptake and water use efficiency were maximal at day/night air temperatures of 30/20°C for potted plants, substantially decreasing at higher temperatures until the plants died at 45/35°C.