The Effect of Elevated Levels of Carbon Dioxide on Potato Crops

SUMMARY Experiments, which have investigated the effect of elevated concentrations of atmospheric CO2 on the physiology, growth and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), are reviewed. These studies were conducted in controlled environment chambers, in glasshouses, in open top field chambers as well as using free air carbon dioxide (FACE) exposure systems. In general, photosynthesis is stimulated by elevated CO2 initially although long-term exposure leads to acclimation. The stomata of potato leaves partially close in response to elevated CO2 and starch granules build up in the chloroplasts. Although above- and below-ground biomass production is stimulated, accelerated senescence limits growth towards the end of the growing season exposure to elevated CO2 stimulates tuber yield, the magnitude of which depends on agronomic practise, cultivar choice and growing conditions. The beneficial effects of elevated CO2 may be reduced by interaction with other components of climate change, such as drought stress. Modelling of the effects of climate change on potato yield has predicted an increase in yields in northern Europe with little change in central and southern Europe. It is suggested that further research is needed to understand the reasons for photosynthetic acclimation, field trials are also needed to understand and quantify the interaction between elevated CO2 and drought stress.