Response of Acer saccharum Seedlings to Elevated Carbon Dioxide and Ozone

Abstract

Newly germinated seedlings of Acer saccharum were grown in atmospheres of elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) or ozone (O3) for 85 days. Net photosynthesis measured on initial leaves and recently formed leaves tended (though not always statistically significant) to increase with an increase in CO2. Biomass measured at the end of the study also increased with an increase in CO2. Ozone at 0.15 ppm did not have a significant impact on either net photosynthesis or growth; however, with O3-treatment, biomass increased at elevated CO2 levels.