Carbon allocation in evergreen and decidious temperate tree species under the elevated concentration CO2 and O3

Abstract

An ongoing increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations and tropospheric O3 is expected in coming years. These changes are mostly caused by anthropogenic activities and influence remarkably not only plants but the climate on the Earth. Physiological processes in plants determining carbon assimilation and allocation in plant organs are changing in a consequence of variations of these gases in the environment. Tree species represent importatnt C pools and changes in C allocation may effect their sink capability in the global C cycle.Increased CO2 concentration in the atmosphere often leeds to incereased rate of photosynthesis lowered photorespiration what in turn may lead to enhanced C storage in plant biomass. The C storage into sinks is mediated through the assimilation organs, which are disturbed by O3. Ozone is toxic to plants and trees are due to their longevity exposed to ozone influence repeatedly for long term. The response to increased CO2 and O3 concentrations, is the most commonly investigated on two typical representatives of European temperate species: deciduous European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and coniferous Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) The aim of the present review was to summarize the knowledge about the effects of increased concentrations of CO2 and O3 acting separately or in..