Publication Date:
2017-07-08
Description:
Potassium (K) deficiency reduces photosynthesis and biomass production of crop plants and also renders them vulnerable to drought stress, whereas elevated carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) has a positive effect on photosynthesis and yield and ameliorates the adverse effects of drought stress. This study aimed to characterize the physiological responses of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) stressed with K deficiency under elevated CO 2 and drought conditions. Increased biomass production caused by elevated CO 2 as a consequence of increased photosynthesis and water use efficiency was absent in young K-deficient wheat plants. Shoot K concentration was negatively affected by elevated CO 2 particularly under K-deficient conditions, whereas K content per plant was greatest in plants supplied with adequate K and adequate water. Specific leaf weight was increased as a consequence of carbohydrate accumulation in the source leaves of K-deficient plants particularly under elevated CO 2 and drought stress. Potassium deficiency clearly impeded the impact of elevated CO 2 in both well watered as well as drought-stressed plants. Adequate K fertilization is a prerequisite for efficient harvesting of atmospheric CO 2 through increased photosynthesis, decreased transpiration, and increased biomass production under changing atmospheric CO 2 and soil moisture conditions.
Print ISSN:
1436-8730
Electronic ISSN:
1522-2624
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
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