Grwoth and photosynthetic responses of apple saplings (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Fuji) acclimated to 3-years of exposure to contrasting atmospheric CO_2 concentrations (360 and 650 ppm) in combination with current ambient or elevated (ambient+5℃) t...
Grwoth and photosynthetic responses of apple saplings (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Fuji) acclimated to 3-years of exposure to contrasting atmospheric CO_2 concentrations (360 and 650 ppm) in combination with current ambient or elevated (ambient+5℃) temperature patterns were determined. Soil moisture regimes were automatically controlled by drip-irrigation scheduled at 50 kPa of soil moisture tension. For the elevated CO_2 concentration alone, overall tree growth was suppressed. However, tree growth was slightly enhanced when warmer temperatures were comnbined with the elevated CO_2 concentration. The elevated CO_2 concentration increased starch accumulation, but the elevated temperature reduced starch accumulation. Light-saturated rates of leaf photosynthesis were suppressed due to the elevated CO_2 concentration, but this effect was removed or enhanced with warmer temperatures. The elevated CO_2 concentration increased optimum temperature for photosynthesis by ca. 4℃, while the warmer temperature did not.