Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
harvest, may induce tolerance to low-temperatures in postharvest storage
(Buescher, 1979; Hickset et al., 1983).
FIGURE 3.4
Incidence of physiological disorders in apple, apricot, pomegranate and
nectarine due to climate change.
3.2.12. EFFECTS OF HIGHER CO
2
AND GHG ON FRUIT
YIELD AND QUALITY
Carbon dioxide is important because carbon atoms form the structural
skeleton of the plant. A doubling of carbon dioxide levels may increase
plant growth by 40-50% though continuous high levels saturate the plant's
ability to use carbon dioxide and the benefits decrease with time. If other
factors remain favorable, increased carbon dioxide concentrations will
lead to greater rates of photosynthesis in plants. Current carbon dioxide
concentrations limit plant photosynthesis. Growers of protected horticul-
tural crops have already aware from so many years that artificially raising
the concentration of carbon dioxide up to certain stage in greenhouses can
substantially increase crop growth and yield.
