The effects of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide and temperature on carbon partitioning, source‐sink relations and respiration

Abstract

Abstract. Herbaceous C 3 plants grown in elevated CO 2 show increases in carbon assimilation and carbohydrate accumulation (particularly starch) within source leaves. Although changes in the partitioning of biomass between root and shoot occur, the proportion of this extra assimilate made available for sink growth is not known. Root:shoot ratios tend to increase for CO 2‐enriched herbaceous plants and decrease for CO 2‐enriched trees. Root:shoot ratios for cereals tend to remain constant. In contrast, elevated temperatures decrease carbohydrate accumulation within source and sink regions of a plant and decrease root:shoot ratios. Allometric analysis of at least two species showing changes in root: shoot ratios due to elevated CO 2 show no alteration in the whole‐plant partitioning of biomass. Little information is available for interactions between temperature and CO 2. Cold‐adapted plants show little response to elevated levels of CO 2, with some species showing a decline in biomass accumulation. In general though, increasing temperature will increase sucrose synthesis, transport and utilization for CO 2‐enriched plants and decrease carbohydrate accumulation within the leaf. Literature reports are discussed in relation to the hypothesis that sucrose is a major factor in the control of plant carbon partitioning. A model is presented in support.