Nocturnal warming increases photosynthesis at elevated CO2 partial pressure in Populus deltoides

Abstract

• We measured night-time respiration and daytime photosynthesis of leaves in canopies of 4 m tall cottonwood (Populus deltoides) trees to investigate the link between leaf respiration and photosynthetic capacity. • Trees were grown at three CO2 partial pressures [p(CO 2)a] (42, 80, 120 Pa) and experimentally exposed to differing nocturnal temperatures (15, 20 or 25°C), but constant daytime temperatures (30-32°C), in a short-term whole-ecosystem environmental manipulation. • Rates of night-time leaf dark respiration (Rd) increased significantly at all growth CO2 partial pressures when nocturnal temperatures were increased from 15 to 25°C. Predawn leaf nonstructural carbohydrate (soluble sugars and starch) content was significantly lower at the higher night temperatures. Photosynthetic capacity (Amax) during the day increased significantly between 15 and 25°C at 42 and 80 Pa, but not at 120 Pa. • These findings indicate that the previously determined relationships between elevated night-time temperature, dark respiration and increased photosynthetic capacity may also hold at elevated p(CO2)a. This response may have a significant influence on plant and ecosystem carbon exchange under global change scenarios.