Effects of CO₂ on Crop Growth and Quality

Dear Colleagues,

Global climate change has emerged as an important environmental challenge due to its potential impact on Earth’s biological systems. The current atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration (CO₂) has reached the level of 400 µmol CO₂ mol⁻¹ and is predicted to be ±550 µmol CO₂ mol⁻¹ by the middle of the 21st century according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The rising CO₂ concentration may induce global warming and may have direct and indirect effects on the growth, physiology, productivity, and water-use efficiency of major agronomic and horticultural crops. It is anticipated that grain yield will increase by 15%–17% under an elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentration of about 550 µmol CO₂ mol⁻¹. However, the positive influence of elevated CO₂ on plant growth and grain yield could be counteracted by inferior grain quality. This Special Issue aims to focus on the effects of CO₂ on the growth, productivity and quality of agricultural crops. Topics may include the effects of CO₂ on photosynthesis and stomatal behavior, dry matter production, yield/productivity, interactive effects of CO₂ and soil moisture, root dynamics of plants, N translocation dynamics into the developing grains, grain protein concentration and composition, and mineral composition, particularly zinc and iron. Innovative and original research conducted under both greenhouse and field experiment conditions are welcome.

Dr. Mumtaz Cheema
Guest Editor

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