Rising CO2 levels and the fecundity of forest trees

Science. 2001 Apr 6;292(5514):95-8. doi: 10.1126/science.1057547.

Abstract

We determined the reproductive response of 19-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) to 4 years of carbon dioxide (CO2) enrichment (ambient concentration plus 200 microliters per liter) in an intact forest. After 3 years of CO2 fumigation, trees were twice as likely to be reproductively mature and produced three times as many cones and seeds as trees at ambient CO2 concentration. A disproportionate carbon allocation to reproduction under CO2 enrichment results in trees reaching maturity sooner and at a smaller size. This reproductive response to future increases in atmospheric CO2 concentration is expected to change loblolly dispersal and recruitment patterns.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Atmosphere
  • Carbon Dioxide* / metabolism
  • Carbon Dioxide* / pharmacology
  • Cycadopsida / growth & development
  • Cycadopsida / physiology*
  • Ecosystem*
  • Greenhouse Effect
  • North Carolina
  • Photosynthesis
  • Probability
  • Reproduction
  • Seeds / metabolism
  • Species Specificity
  • Trees / growth & development
  • Trees / physiology*

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide