Nearly all agricultural plants respond to increases in the air's CO2 content by displaying enhanced rates of photosynthesis and biomass production. In this summary, we report the similar findings of some recently published studies of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) plants that we have reviewed on our website.
In the open-top chamber study of Bunce (2001), strawberry plants exposed to air containing an extra 300 and 600 ppm CO2 displayed photosynthetic rates that were 77 and 106% greater, respectively, than rates displayed by plants grown in ambient air containing 350 ppm CO2. Similarly, Bushway and Pritts (2002) reported that strawberry plants grown at atmospheric CO2 concentrations between 700 and 1000 ppm exhibited photosynthetic rates that were consistently more than 50% greater than rates displayed by control plants.
Because elevated CO2 stimulates rates of photosynthesis in strawberry plants, it is only to be expected that it would also increase biomass production in this important agricultural species. And it does. After growing plants in air containing an additional 170 ppm CO2 above ambient concentrations, Deng and Woodward (1998) reported that total fresh fruit weights were 42 and 17% greater than weights displayed by control plants receiving high and low soil nitrogen inputs, respectively. In addition, Bushway and Pritts (2002) reported that a two- to three-fold increase in the air's CO2 content boosted strawberry fruit yield by 62%.
In summary, as the air's CO2 content continues to rise, strawberry plants will likely exhibit enhanced rates of photosynthesis and biomass production, which should lead to greater fruit yields in this economically important agricultural crop.
For more information on strawberry growth responses to atmospheric CO2 enrichment see Plant Growth Data: Strawberry (dry weight, photosynthesis).
References
Bunce, J.A. 2001. Seasonal patterns of photosynthetic response and acclimation to elevated carbon dioxide in field-grown strawberry. Photosynthesis Research 68: 237-245.
Bushway, L.J. and Pritts, M.P. 2002. Enhancing early spring microclimate to increase carbon resources and productivity in June-bearing strawberry. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science 127: 415-422.
Deng, X. and Woodward, F.I. 1998. The growth and yield responses of Fragaria ananassa to elevated CO2 and N supply. Annals of Botany 81: 67-71.