Impacts of drought on leaf respiration in darkness and light in Eucalyptus saligna exposed to industrial-age atmospheric CO2 and growth temperature

Abstract

Our study assessed the impact of a wide range of industrial-age climate scenarios on leaf respiration (R) in Eucalyptus saligna. Well-watered or sustained drought-treated plants were grown in glasshouses differing in atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) (280, 400 and 640μll-1) and temperature (26 and 30°C). Rates of R in darkness (Rdark) and light (Rlight), photosynthesis (A) and related leaf traits (mass area relationships, and nitrogen, phosphorus, starch and sugar concentrations) were measured. Light inhibited R in all cases (Rlight