Author
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Vu, Joseph |
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Submitted to: Journal of Crop Production
Publication Type: Review Article Publication Acceptance Date: 3/7/2003 Publication Date: 5/15/2005 Citation: Vu, J.C.V. 2005.Photosynthesis, growth, and yield of citrus at elevated atmospheric CO2. Journal of Crop Improvement v. 13 (No. 1/2):361-376. Interpretive Summary: Citrus is one of the major fruit crops in world trade today. Yield of citrus, similar to other crops, is the net result of photosynthesis, a process by which green leaves absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air to make the basic compounds required for tree growth and development. Photosynthesis is greatly influenced by environmental factors. Current knowledge of citrus photosynthesis in response to rising atmospheric CO2, elevated air temperature and soil water deficit is limited. An understanding of the mechanisms governing citrus growth and yield under a global climate change is required before breeding and/or genetic engineering can be used in developing citrus cultivars tolerant to environmental stresses. Technical Abstract: Agricultural productivity is expected to be affected by rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) and changing climate. Increase in atmospheric [CO2] per se may lead to higher yield for several crop species, including citrus. However, the interactions between elevated [CO2] and other climate change factors are complex, and producing crops under global climate change will be a challenge for world agriculture. This review focuses on our current understanding of citrus photosynthesis, growth, and yield in response to rising atmospheric [CO2]. There is indeed a critical need to unravel the mechanisms of citrus responses to atmospheric [CO2] enrichment and climate changes, and to identify target(s) for a genetic/breeding approach designed to enhance citrus tolerance/resistance to environmental stresses. |
