Call number:
AWI Bio-98-0028
In:
Research studies in botany and related applied fields
Description / Table of Contents:
Contents: Foreword. - Preface. - Author's acknowledgements. - Dedication. - Abbreviations. - 1. Atmospheric carbon dioxide : past, present and future. - 1.1 Our unique planet. - 1.2 Atmospheric [CO2] in the past. - 1.3 Rates of change in the 20th century. - 1.4 Great Expectations. - 1.5 Summary. - 2. The quest for direct effects of CO2. - 2.1 Introduction. - 2.2 Inhibition of respiration. - 2.3 Enhancement or repression of ethylene synthesis. - 2.4 Activation of RuBP Carboxylase. - 2.5 PEP Carboxylase. - 2.6 Acetyl CoA Carboxylase. - 2.7 How do plant cells detect [CO2]?. - 3. Effects of elevated atmospheric [CO2] on root systems. - 3.1 Introduction. - 3.2 The difficulties of studying roots. - 3.3 Responses of root systems to elevated atmospheric [CO2]. - 3.4 Adjustments in the rhizosphere. - 3.5 Roots associated with Mycorrhizae. - 3.6 Roots and N2-Fixing symbionts. - 3.7 Improved techniques for studying root growth. - 4. Effects of elevated atmospheric [CO2] on leaf structure. - 4.1 Changes in leaf area and thickness. - 4.2 Changes in leaf shape. - 4.3 Changes in leaf composition. - 4.4 Consequences for herbivores. - 5. Photosynthetic responses to elevated [CO2]. - 5.1 Limiting factors for photosynthesis. - 5.2 Photosynthetic CO2 fixation and the effect of CO2. - 5.3 Responses to elevated atmospheric [CO2] in C4, C3/C4 intermediate and CAM plants. - 5.4 Interpreting leaf N content in terms of metabolite repression. - 5.5 Acclimation to elevated [CO2]. - 6. Effects of elevated atmospheric [CO2] on the leaf surface, stomatal function and water-use efficiency. - 6.1 The leaf surface and non-stomatal transpiration. - 6.2 Stomatal function. - 6.3 Stomatal distribution and density. - 6.4 Consequences for water relations and water-use efficiency. - 6.5 Diminished transpirational cooling. - 7. Effects of elevated atmospheric [CO2] on stem growth. - 7.1 The priority of the stem. - 7.2 Woody species. - 7.3 Vines. - 7.4 Conclusion - unstable trees?. - 8. Effects of [CO2] on flowering and fruiting. - 8.1 Time of flowering. - 8.2 Is floral initiation a morphogenetic response to [CO2]?. - 8.3 Flower production. - 8.4 Fruit development and yield. - 9. Effects of [CO2] on seed yield and quality. - 9.1 Misconceptions about seed quality. - 9.2 Cereals. - 9.3 Legumes. - 9.4 C4 species. - 9.5 Germination of seeds produced by plants grown with elevated CO2. - 9.6 Conclusion. - 10. Interactions of [CO2] with aerial pollutants and ultraviolet radiation. - 10.1 Ozone. - 10.2 Sulphur dioxide. - 10.3 Interaction with increased UV-B. - 10.4 Conclusion. - 11. The complexities of plant communities. - 11.1 Diverse responses within communities. - 11.2 The competitive edge. - 12. The global carbon cycle and sustainable development. - 12.1 The full costs of human activity. - 12.2 Towards sustainable food production. - 12.3 Fibre sources other than trees. - 12.4 Implications of [CO2] effects for methods of energy production. - 12.5 Minimizing waste. - 12.6 Prospects and conclusions. - References. - Index.
Description / Table of Contents:
The fact that the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is continuing to increase is a cause for deep concern worldwide. In this book, David Murray explains why the impact of elevated CO2 on food production will not provide the panacea that some have predicted. Three distinct adverse 'greenhouse' effects are identified - warming by CO2 itself, warming of vegetation by restriction of transpiration, and nutritional erosion. The major cereals wheat and rice will be the first casualties, losing essential nutrient content in favour of extra carbohydrate. Legumes may follow once CO2 exceeds 600 ppm. Anticipated yield increases from extra CO2 might not eventuate, depending on other factors such as UV-B intensity, increasing temperature, and water shortage.
Type of Medium:
Monograph available for loan
Pages:
XX, 275 S. : graph. Darst.
ISBN:
0863802133
,
0-471-97249-5
Series Statement:
Research studies in botany and related applied fields 14
Branch Library:
AWI Library
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