EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM CO2 ENRICHMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE ON FRUIT CROPS

A series of simulation experiments was conducted to explore ecophysiological responses of strawberry, pepino, apple and calamondin plants (representing herbaceous, semi-woody, deciduous and evergreen woody fruit crops, respectively) to the long-term atmospheric CO2 enrichment and major environmental changes. The elevated ambient CO2 at a suitable level upto 600 ppm could efficiently improve leaf photosynthetic function, enhance biomass and carbohydrate production, increase water and macronutrient use-efficiency, and promote plant growth and fruit productivity. Herbaceous, semi-woody and younger plants were more sensitive to a high CO2 concentration in the air than woody and older fruit trees. An appropriate CO2 fertilization could be a strategic contermeasure for scientific-practical and effective application in plastic tunnels and greenhouses for sustainable development and effective management in fruit crop production.