The Effects of Elevated CO₂ Concentrations on Plant Growth

Dear Colleagues,

The atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO₂]) has constantly increased over the last 200 years and is expected to reach 800 ppm by the end of this century. Such an abnormal rise in the levels of [CO₂] can have profound effects on plant development and productivity in the future. Increased photosynthesis rates and decreased stomatal conductance have been identified as the critical factors that stimulate plant growth at elevated [CO₂] levels. However, variations in photosynthesis and stomatal conductance cannot completely represent the dynamic changes in plant growth under elevated [CO₂] levels. The stimulation of photosynthetic carbon assimilation at elevated [CO₂] levels is always associated with the processes behind the photosynthesis, e.g., carbon and nitrogen metabolism, cell cycle functions, hormonal regulation, and gene expressions. Therefore, a global understanding of these processes and their association with high carbon input will help us understand plant production in the future climate.

This Special Issue, “The Effects of Elevated CO₂ Concentrations on Plant Growth”, aims to summarize the current knowledge on the impacts of elevated [CO₂] levels on the plant in relation to physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms. It includes, but is not limited to, fundamental and applied studies on plant morphology, water relations, leaf gas exchange, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems, metabolites, productivity, and related genes and signaling pathways for plant growth regulation.

Prof. Dr. Xiangnan Li
Guest Editor

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• elevated CO₂
• plant growth
• photosynthesis
• stomatal conductance
• water relations
• enzyme activity
• ROS
• hormone
• grain quality
• productivity