The impact of elevated CO2 and water deficit stress on growth and photosynthesis of juvenile cacao (Theobroma cacao L.).

Lahive, F., Hadley, P. and Daymond, A. J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7597-9423 (2018) The impact of elevated CO2 and water deficit stress on growth and photosynthesis of juvenile cacao (Theobroma cacao L.). Photosynthetica, 56 (3). pp. 911-920. ISSN 1573-9058 doi: 10.1007/s11099-017-0743-y

Abstract/Summary

Atmospheric CO2 concentration continues to rise and is predicted to reach approximately 700 ppm by 2100. Some predictions suggest that the dry season in West Africa could be extended with climate change. This study examines the effects of elevated CO2 concentration and water deficit on growth and photosynthesis of juvenile cacao. Light saturated photosynthesis (Pmax), quantum efficiency and intrinsic water use efficiency increased significantly in response to elevated CO2, as did a range of growth and development responses (e.g. leaf area and leaf number), but the magnitude of the increase was dependent on the water treatment. Stomatal index was significantly greater in the elevated CO2 treatment; an atypical response which may be a reflection of the environment in which cacao evolved. This study shows a positive effect of elevated CO2 on juvenile cacao which may help to alleviate some of the negative impacts of water deficit stress.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/70794
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development > Department of Crop Science
Publisher	Springer
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