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We recently demonstrated that, under elevated [CO2] (eCa), coffee (Coffea arabica L.) plants grown at high light (HL), but not at low light (LL), display higher stomatal conductance (gs) than at ambient [CO2] (aCa). We then hypothesized that the enhanced gs at eCa/HL, if sustained at the long-term, would lead to adjustments in hydraulic architecture. To test this hypothesis, potted plants of coffee were grown in open-top chambers for 12 months under HL or LL (ca. 9 or 1 mol photons m-2 day-1, respectively); these light treatments were combined with two [CO2] levels (ca. 437 or 705 µmol mol-1, respectively). Under eCa/HL, increased gs was closely accompanied by increases in branch and leaf hydraulic conductances, suggesting a coordinated response between liquid- and vapor-phase water flows throughout the plant. Still under HL, eCa also resulted in increased Huber value (sapwood area-to-total leaf area), sapwood area-to-stem diameter, and root mass-to-total leaf area, thus further improving the water supply to the leaves. Our results demonstrate that Ca is a central player in coffee physiology increasing carbon gain through a close association between stomatal function and an improved hydraulic architecture under HL conditions.

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Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) plants have been assorted as highly suitable to growth at elevated [CO2] (eCa), although such suitability is hypothesized to decrease under severe shade. We herein examined how the combination of eCa and contrasting irradiance affects growth and photosynthetic performance. Coffee plants were grown in open-top chambers under relatively high light (HL) or low light (LL) (9 or 1 mol photons m-2 day-1, respectively), and aCa or eCa (437 or 705 µmol mol-1, respectively). Most traits were affected by light and CO2, and by their interaction. Relative to aCa, our main findings were (i) a greater stomatal conductance (gs) (only at HL) with decreased diffusive limitations to photosynthesis, (ii) greater gs during HL-to-LL transitions, whereas gs was unresponsive to the LL-to-HL transitions irrespective of [CO2], (iii) greater leaf nitrogen pools (only at HL) and higher photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency irrespective of light, (iv) lack of photosynthetic acclimation, and (v) greater biomass partitioning to roots and earlier branching. In summary, eCa improved plant growth and photosynthetic performance. Our novel and timely findings suggest that coffee plants are highly suited for a changing climate characterized by a progressive elevation of [CO2], especially if the light is nonlimiting.

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Global climate change will impact crops and grasslands, affecting growth and yield. However, is not clear how the combination of warming and increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations ([CO2]) will affect the photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry and the photosynthetic tissue photoinhibition and photoprotection on tropical forages. Here, we evaluated the effects of elevated [CO2] (∼600 µmol mol-1) and warming (+2 °C increase temperature) on the photochemistry of photosystem II and the photoprotection strategies of a tropical C4 forage Panicum maximum Jacq. grown in a Trop-T-FACE facility under well-watered conditions without nutrient limitation. Analysis of the maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), the effective PSII quantum yield Y(II), the quantum yield of regulated energy dissipation Y(NPQ), the quantum yield of non-regulated energy dissipation Y(NO), and the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in leaves revealed that the photosynthetic apparatus of plants did not suffer photoinhibitory damage, and plants did not increase lipid peroxidation in response to warming and [CO2] enrichment. Plants under warming treatment showed a 12% higher chlorophyll contents and a 58% decrease in α-tocopherol contents. In contrast, carotenoid composition (zeaxanthin and ß-carotene) and ascorbate levels were not altered by elevated [CO2] and warming. The elevated temperature increased both net photosynthesis rate and aboveground biomass but elevated [CO2] increased only net photosynthesis. Adjustments in chlorophyll, de-epoxidation state of the xanthophylls cycle, and tocopherol contents suggest leaves of P. maximum can acclimate to 2 °C warmer temperature and elevated [CO2] when plants are grown with enough water and nutrients during tropical autumn-winter season.

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Mango flavor is dependent on cultivar characteristics and postharvest handling procedures. Mangoes harvested with the ripening metabolism initiated develop better flavor than mangoes harvested at the mature-green stage. Different cultivars were harvested at both ripeness stages and evaluated to determine the effect of fruit ripeness, storage temperature and atmosphere on the volatiles present in aroma profiles. Mangoes of the cultivars Haden, Keitt and Tommy Atkins at distinct ripeness stages were stored in controlled atmospheres (CA) with 2, 5 or 21 kPa O2 plus 0, 10 or 25 kPa CO2 at 5, 8, 12 or 15 °C. Terpene concentrations of mangoes stored in air were higher than the concentrations in mangoes stored in CA. The sesquiterpene α-copaene did not present recognizable peaks in almost all elusion sequences. The same result was observed with the monoterpene ß-pinene in cv. Haden and cv. Keitt mangoes while in 'Tommy Atkins' fruit ß-pinene concentrations were below 1.06 µL.L-¹. Ethanol and acetaldehyde concentrations were significantly higher in mangoes from 2 kPa O2 storage than those from air storage or the other CA treatments. Terpene synthesis in air or CA storage in all cultivars varied significantly, preventing generalizations as to what storage conditions favor or limit aroma components elution.

O complexo aromático de mangas resulta das características de cada cultivar e do manejo pós-colheita dos frutos. Mangas colhidas em estádio de maturação mais avançado desenvolvem um aroma melhor que mangas colhidas no estádio pré-climetérico. Para o presente trabalho diferentes cultivares de mangas foram colhidas em ambos estádios de maturação e avaliadas para os efeitos destes estádios e da atmosfera de armazenagem nos compostos voláteis presentes no perfil de aroma. Mangas das cultivares Haden, Keitt e Tommy Atkins, em distintos estádios de maturação, foram armazenadas em ar refrigerado ou em atmosfera controlada (AC) com 2, 5 ou 21 kPa O2 misturado a 0, 10, ou 25 kPa CO2 com temperaturas de 8, 12 ou 15 °C. As concentrações de terpenos em mangas armazenadas em ar refrigerado foram mais elevadas que as concentrações determinadas em armazenagem em AC. O sesquiterpeno α-copaeno não apresentou picos reconhecíveis em nenhum dos cromatogramas de mangas dos diferentes tratamentos. O mesmo comportamento foi observado com o ß-pineno nas cv. Haden e Keitt, enquanto que na cv. Tommy Atkins este monoterpeno apresentou picos de eluição abaixo 1.06 µL.L-¹. Concentrações de etanol e acetaldeído foram significativamente maiores em mangas armazenadas em AC de 2 kPa O2 na comparação com armazenagem em ar e com as demais concentrações de AC. A biossíntese de terpenos em armazenagem, tanto em ar refrigerado como em AC, variou consideravelmente de modo que deve-se evitar generalizações sobre quais condições de armazenagem favorecem ou limitam a composição do complexo aromático em mangas.

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The initial stimulation of photosynthesis under elevated CO2 concentrations (eCO2) is often followed by a decline in photosynthesis, known as CO2 acclimation. Changes in N levels under eCO2 can have different effects in plants fertilized with nitrate (NO3-) or ammonium (NH4+) as the N source. NO3- assimilation consumes approximately 25% of the energy produced by an expanded leaf, whereas NH4+ requires less energy to be incorporated into organic compounds. Although plant-N interactions are important for the productivity and nutritional value of food crops worldwide, most studies have not compared the performance of plants supplied with different forms of N. Therefore, this study aims to go beyond treating N as the total N in the soil or the plant because the specific N compounds formed from the available N forms become highly engaged in all aspects of plant metabolism. To this end, plant N metabolism was analyzed through an experiment with eCO2 and fertigation with NO3- and/or NH4+ as N sources for tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants. The results showed that the plants that received only NO3- as a source of N grew more slowly when exposed to a CO2 concentration of 760 µmol mol-1 than when they were exposed to ambient CO2 conditions. On the other hand, in plants fertigated with only NH4+, eCO2 enhanced photosynthesis. This was essential for the maintenance of the metabolic pathways responsible for N assimilation and distribution in growing tissues. These data show that the physiological performance of tobacco plants exposed to eCO2 depends on the form of inorganic N that is absorbed and assimilated.

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MAIN CONCLUSION: The effect of elevated [CO2] on the growth of tomato plants with reduced gibberellin content is influenced by developmental stage. The impact of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) on plants has aroused interest in the last decades. Signaling molecules known as plant hormones are fundamental controllers of plant growth and development. Elevated CO2 concentration ([CO2]) increases plant growth; however, whether plant hormones act as mediators of this effect is still an open question. Here, we show the response to elevated [CO2] in tomato does not require a functional gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis pathway. We compared growth and primary metabolism between wild-type (WT) and GA-deficient mutant (gib-1) plants transferred from ambient (400 ppm) to elevated (750 ppm) [CO2] at two different growth stages (either 21 or 35 days after germination, DAG). Growth, photosynthetic parameters and primary metabolism in the stunted gib-1 plants were restored when they were transferred to elevated [CO2] at 21 DAG. Elevated [CO2] also stimulated growth and photosynthetic parameters in WT plants at 21 DAG; however, only minor changes were observed in the level of primary metabolites. At 35 DAG, on the other hand, elevated [CO2] did not stimulate growth in WT plants and gib-1 mutants showed their characteristic stunted growth phenotype. Taken together, our results reveal that elevated [CO2] enhances growth only within a narrow developmental window, in which GA biosynthesis is dispensable. This finding could be relevant for breeding crops in the face of the expected increases in atmospheric CO2 over the next century.

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The opening and closing of stomata are controlled by the integration of environmental and endogenous signals. Here, we show the effects of combining elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration (eCO 2; 600 µmol mol-1) and warming (+2°C) on stomatal properties and their consequence to plant function in a Stylosanthes capitata Vogel (C3) tropical pasture. The eCO 2 treatment alone reduced stomatal density, stomatal index, and stomatal conductance (gs ), resulting in reduced transpiration, increased leaf temperature, and leading to maintenance of soil moisture during the growing season. Increased CO2 concentration inside leaves stimulated photosynthesis, starch content levels, water use efficiency, and PSII photochemistry. Under warming, plants developed leaves with smaller stomata on both leaf surfaces; however, we did not see effects of warming on stomatal conductance, transpiration, or leaf water status. Warming alone enhanced PSII photochemistry and photosynthesis, and likely starch exports from chloroplasts. Under the combination of warming and eCO 2, leaf temperature was higher than that of leaves from the warming or eCO 2 treatments. Thus, warming counterbalanced the effects of CO2 on transpiration and soil water content but not on stomatal functioning, which was independent of temperature treatment. Under warming, and in combination with eCO 2, leaves also produced more carotenoids and a more efficient heat and fluorescence dissipation. Our combined results suggest that control on stomatal opening under eCO 2 was not changed by a warmer environment; however, their combination significantly improved whole-plant functioning.

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Alligatorweed, Alternanthera philoxeroide (Mart.) Griseb. (Amaranthaceae) is an invasive weed in China that is often kept under control by the alligatorweed flea beetle, Agasicles hygrophila Selman and Vogt (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) introduced into China from Argentina in the 1980s. Elevated CO2 levels have been shown to have a direct effect on Ag. hygrophila. In order to fully evaluate the indirect effects of three different atmospheric concentrations of CO2 (420, 550, and 750 ppm) on the population parameters of Ag. hygrophila reared on Al. philoxeroides, we collected life table data for Ag. hygrophila using the age-stage, two-sex life table method. In general, there were no significant differences in the lengths of the preadult parameters among the three treatments. The adult duration and total longevity of males, however, did increase as CO2 increased in concentration. Although the adult preoviposition and total preoviposition periods decreased, the fecundity, oviposition days, eggs per oviposition day, net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase, and finite rate of increase all increased significantly at the high CO2 concentration. Consequently, we determined that the Ag. hygrophila population size will potentially increase rapidly over a short period of time at elevated CO2 concentrations. Our results suggest that 550 and 750 ppm CO2 may also cause physiological changes in Al. philoxeroides that, in turn, provide enhanced nutrition for increasing reproduction in Ag. hygrophila by accelerating maturation of their reproductive system. These results indicate that the efficacy of Ag. hygrophila as a biological control agent against Al. philoxeroides will likely be increased at 550 and 750 ppm CO2.

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Coffee is one of the most important global crops and provides a livelihood to millions of people living in developing countries. Coffee species have been described as being highly sensitive to climate change, as largely deduced from modeling studies based on predictions of rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns. Here, we discuss the physiological responses of the coffee tree in the context of present and ongoing climate changes, including drought, heat, and light stresses, and interactions between these factors. We also summarize recent insights on the physiological and agronomic performance of coffee at elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations and highlight the key role of CO2 in mitigating the harmful effects of heat stress. Evidence is shown suggesting that warming, per se, may be less harmful to coffee suitability than previously estimated, at least under the conditions of an adequate water supply. Finally, we discuss several mitigation strategies to improve crop performance in a changing world.

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The objective of this study was to simulate the yield of two cassava cultivars in two IPCC future climate scenarios, the SRES-A1B (Cmip3) and the RCP4.5 (Cmip5), for the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The Simanihot model, with the Thornthwaite and Mather water balance sub-model, and the SRES-A1B (Cmip3 - Third Coupled Model Intercomparison Project) and RCP4.5 (Cmip5 - Fifth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project) scenarios of the Fourth and Fifth IPCC Assessment Report, respectively, was used. Cassava cultivars used in this study were "Fepagro - RS13" (forrage) and "Estrangeira" (human consumption). In both cultivars, there was an increase in tuberous roots yield in future climate scenarios. The cultivar for human consumption benefits more roots yield in the scenario with higher CO2 (Cmip3 scenario); whereas, the forage cultivar benefits more the Cmip5 scenario. Among the three future periods (2010-2039, 2040-2069 e 2070-2099), changes in tuberous roots yield are more evident in the end of the century period (2070-2099) and for early planting dates (01 September and 01 October). The northeastern region of the state has the greatest changes in tuberous roots yield in future climates, because this is the coldest region, with winter minimum temperature during between 6 and 8ºC. (AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi simular a produtividade de duas cultivares de mandioca em dois cenários climáticos futuros do IPCC, o SRES-A1B (Cmip3) e o RCP4.5 (Cmip5), para o Rio Grande do Sul. Foi utilizado o modelo Simanihot, com o submodelo de balanço hídrico do solo diário sequencial de Thornthwaite e Mather, e os cenários SRES- A1B (Cmip3 - 3o Projeto de Intercomparação de modelos globais) e o RCP4.5 (Cmip5 - 5o Projeto de Intercomparação de modelos globais) do 4o e 5o relatório do IPCC, respectivamente, regionalizados por downscaling dinâmico com modelo RegCM3 e RegCM4 (Modelo Climático Regional), respectivamente. As cultivares utilizadas no estudo foram a 'Fepagro - RS13' (uso forrageira) e 'Estrangeira' (uso para mesa). Em ambas há aumento na produtividade de raízes em cenários climáticos futuros. A cultivar de mesa se beneficia mais na produtividade de raízes no cenário com maior concentração de CO2 (cenário Cmip3), enquanto a cultivar forrageira, se beneficia mais no cenário Cmip5. Nos três períodos futuros (2010-2039, 2040-2069 e 2070-2099), as mudanças na produtividade são sempre mais expressivas no último período (2070-2099) e nas primeiras datas de plantio (01/09 e 01/10). A região do Rio Grande do Sul com maiores mudanças na produtividade é a nordeste, a qual, no clima atual é a mais fria do Estado, com temperatura mínima do ar no inverno entre 6 e 8°C. (AU)

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The objective of this study was to simulate the yield of two cassava cultivars in two IPCC future climate scenarios, the SRES-A1B (Cmip3) and the RCP4.5 (Cmip5), for the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The Simanihot model, with the Thornthwaite and Mather water balance sub-model, and the SRES-A1B (Cmip3 - Third Coupled Model Intercomparison Project) and RCP4.5 (Cmip5 - Fifth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project) scenarios of the Fourth and Fifth IPCC Assessment Report, respectively, was used. Cassava cultivars used in this study were "Fepagro - RS13" (forrage) and "Estrangeira" (human consumption). In both cultivars, there was an increase in tuberous roots yield in future climate scenarios. The cultivar for human consumption benefits more roots yield in the scenario with higher CO2 (Cmip3 scenario); whereas, the forage cultivar benefits more the Cmip5 scenario. Among the three future periods (2010-2039, 2040-2069 e 2070-2099), changes in tuberous roots yield are more evident in the end of the century period (2070-2099) and for early planting dates (01 September and 01 October). The northeastern region of the state has the greatest changes in tuberous roots yield in future climates, because this is the coldest region, with winter minimum temperature during between 6 and 8ºC.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi simular a produtividade de duas cultivares de mandioca em dois cenários climáticos futuros do IPCC, o SRES-A1B (Cmip3) e o RCP4.5 (Cmip5), para o Rio Grande do Sul. Foi utilizado o modelo Simanihot, com o submodelo de balanço hídrico do solo diário sequencial de Thornthwaite e Mather, e os cenários SRES- A1B (Cmip3 - 3o Projeto de Intercomparação de modelos globais) e o RCP4.5 (Cmip5 - 5o Projeto de Intercomparação de modelos globais) do 4o e 5o relatório do IPCC, respectivamente, regionalizados por downscaling dinâmico com modelo RegCM3 e RegCM4 (Modelo Climático Regional), respectivamente. As cultivares utilizadas no estudo foram a 'Fepagro - RS13' (uso forrageira) e 'Estrangeira' (uso para mesa). Em ambas há aumento na produtividade de raízes em cenários climáticos futuros. A cultivar de mesa se beneficia mais na produtividade de raízes no cenário com maior concentração de CO2 (cenário Cmip3), enquanto a cultivar forrageira, se beneficia mais no cenário Cmip5. Nos três períodos futuros (2010-2039, 2040-2069 e 2070-2099), as mudanças na produtividade são sempre mais expressivas no último período (2070-2099) e nas primeiras datas de plantio (01/09 e 01/10). A região do Rio Grande do Sul com maiores mudanças na produtividade é a nordeste, a qual, no clima atual é a mais fria do Estado, com temperatura mínima do ar no inverno entre 6 e 8°C.

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ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to simulate the yield of two cassava cultivars in two IPCC future climate scenarios, the SRES-A1B (Cmip3) and the RCP4.5 (Cmip5), for the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The Simanihot model, with the Thornthwaite and Mather water balance sub-model, and the SRES-A1B (Cmip3 - Third Coupled Model Intercomparison Project) and RCP4.5 (Cmip5 - Fifth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project) scenarios of the Fourth and Fifth IPCC Assessment Report, respectively, was used. Cassava cultivars used in this study were 'Fepagro - RS13' (forrage) and 'Estrangeira' (human consumption). In both cultivars, there was an increase in tuberous roots yield in future climate scenarios. The cultivar for human consumption benefits more roots yield in the scenario with higher CO2 (Cmip3 scenario); whereas, the forage cultivar benefits more the Cmip5 scenario. Among the three future periods (2010-2039, 2040-2069 e 2070-2099), changes in tuberous roots yield are more evident in the end of the century period (2070-2099) and for early planting dates (01 September and 01 October). The northeastern region of the state has the greatest changes in tuberous roots yield in future climates, because this is the coldest region, with winter minimum temperature during between 6 and 8oC.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi simular a produtividade de duas cultivares de mandioca em dois cenários climáticos futuros do IPCC, o SRES-A1B (Cmip3) e o RCP4.5 (Cmip5), para o Rio Grande do Sul. Foi utilizado o modelo Simanihot, com o submodelo de balanço hídrico do solo diário sequencial de Thornthwaite e Mather, e os cenários SRES- A1B (Cmip3 - 3o Projeto de Intercomparação de modelos globais) e o RCP4.5 (Cmip5 - 5o Projeto de Intercomparação de modelos globais) do 4o e 5o relatório do IPCC, respectivamente, regionalizados por downscaling dinâmico com modelo RegCM3 e RegCM4 (Modelo Climático Regional), respectivamente. As cultivares utilizadas no estudo foram a 'Fepagro - RS13' (uso forrageira) e 'Estrangeira' (uso para mesa). Em ambas há aumento na produtividade de raízes em cenários climáticos futuros. A cultivar de mesa se beneficia mais na produtividade de raízes no cenário com maior concentração de CO2 (cenário Cmip3), enquanto a cultivar forrageira, se beneficia mais no cenário Cmip5. Nos três períodos futuros (2010-2039, 2040-2069 e 2070-2099), as mudanças na produtividade são sempre mais expressivas no último período (2070-2099) e nas primeiras datas de plantio (01/09 e 01/10). A região do Rio Grande do Sul com maiores mudanças na produtividade é a nordeste, a qual, no clima atual é a mais fria do Estado, com temperatura mínima do ar no inverno entre 6 e 8°C.

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ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to simulate the yield of two cassava cultivars in two IPCC future climate scenarios, the SRES-A1B (Cmip3) and the RCP4.5 (Cmip5), for the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The Simanihot model, with the Thornthwaite and Mather water balance sub-model, and the SRES-A1B (Cmip3 - Third Coupled Model Intercomparison Project) and RCP4.5 (Cmip5 - Fifth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project) scenarios of the Fourth and Fifth IPCC Assessment Report, respectively, was used. Cassava cultivars used in this study were 'Fepagro - RS13' (forrage) and 'Estrangeira' (human consumption). In both cultivars, there was an increase in tuberous roots yield in future climate scenarios. The cultivar for human consumption benefits more roots yield in the scenario with higher CO2 (Cmip3 scenario); whereas, the forage cultivar benefits more the Cmip5 scenario. Among the three future periods (2010-2039, 2040-2069 e 2070-2099), changes in tuberous roots yield are more evident in the end of the century period (2070-2099) and for early planting dates (01 September and 01 October). The northeastern region of the state has the greatest changes in tuberous roots yield in future climates, because this is the coldest region, with winter minimum temperature during between 6 and 8oC.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi simular a produtividade de duas cultivares de mandioca em dois cenários climáticos futuros do IPCC, o SRES-A1B (Cmip3) e o RCP4.5 (Cmip5), para o Rio Grande do Sul. Foi utilizado o modelo Simanihot, com o submodelo de balanço hídrico do solo diário sequencial de Thornthwaite e Mather, e os cenários SRES- A1B (Cmip3 - 3o Projeto de Intercomparação de modelos globais) e o RCP4.5 (Cmip5 - 5o Projeto de Intercomparação de modelos globais) do 4o e 5o relatório do IPCC, respectivamente, regionalizados por downscaling dinâmico com modelo RegCM3 e RegCM4 (Modelo Climático Regional), respectivamente. As cultivares utilizadas no estudo foram a 'Fepagro - RS13' (uso forrageira) e 'Estrangeira' (uso para mesa). Em ambas há aumento na produtividade de raízes em cenários climáticos futuros. A cultivar de mesa se beneficia mais na produtividade de raízes no cenário com maior concentração de CO2 (cenário Cmip3), enquanto a cultivar forrageira, se beneficia mais no cenário Cmip5. Nos três períodos futuros (2010-2039, 2040-2069 e 2070-2099), as mudanças na produtividade são sempre mais expressivas no último período (2070-2099) e nas primeiras datas de plantio (01/09 e 01/10). A região do Rio Grande do Sul com maiores mudanças na produtividade é a nordeste, a qual, no clima atual é a mais fria do Estado, com temperatura mínima do ar no inverno entre 6 e 8°C.

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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Conifers dominated wet lowland tropical forests 100 million years ago (MYA). With a few exceptions in the Podocarpaceae and Araucariaceae, conifers are now absent from this biome. This shift to angiosperm dominance also coincided with a large decline in atmospheric CO2 concentration (ca). We compared growth and physiological performance of two lowland tropical angiosperms and conifers at ca levels representing pre-industrial (280 ppm), ambient (400 ppm) and Eocene (800 ppm) conditions to explore how differences in ca affect the growth and water-use efficiency (WUE) of seedlings from these groups. METHODS: Two conifers (Araucaria heterophylla and Podocarpus guatemalensis) and two angiosperm trees (Tabebuia rosea and Chrysophyllum cainito) were grown in climate-controlled glasshouses in Panama. Growth, photosynthetic rates, nutrient uptake, and nutrient use and water-use efficiencies were measured. KEY RESULTS: Podocarpus seedlings showed a stronger (66 %) increase in relative growth rate with increasing ca relative to Araucaria (19 %) and the angiosperms (no growth enhancement). The response of Podocarpus is consistent with expectations for species with conservative growth traits and low mesophyll diffusion conductance. While previous work has shown limited stomatal response of conifers to ca, we found that the two conifers had significantly greater increases in leaf and whole-plant WUE than the angiosperms, reflecting increased photosynthetic rate and reduced stomatal conductance. Foliar nitrogen isotope ratios (δ15N) and soil nitrate concentrations indicated a preference in Podocarpus for ammonium over nitrate, which may impact nitrogen uptake relative to nitrate assimilators under high ca SIGNIFICANCE: Podocarps colonized tropical forests after angiosperms achieved dominance and are now restricted to infertile soils. Although limited to a single species, our data suggest that higher ca may have been favourable for podocarp colonization of tropical South America 60 MYA, while plasticity in photosynthetic capacity and WUE may help account for their continued persistence under large changes in ca since the Eocene.

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The first generation of forest free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experiments has successfully provided deeper understanding about how forests respond to an increasing CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. Located in aggrading stands in the temperate zone, they have provided a strong foundation for testing critical assumptions in terrestrial biosphere models that are being used to project future interactions between forest productivity and the atmosphere, despite the limited inference space of these experiments with regards to the range of global ecosystems. Now, a new generation of FACE experiments in mature forests in different biomes and over a wide range of climate space and biodiversity will significantly expand the inference space. These new experiments are: EucFACE in a mature Eucalyptus stand on highly weathered soil in subtropical Australia; AmazonFACE in a highly diverse, primary rainforest in Brazil; BIFoR-FACE in a 150-yr-old deciduous woodland stand in central England; and SwedFACE proposed in a hemiboreal, Pinus sylvestris stand in Sweden. We now have a unique opportunity to initiate a model-data interaction as an integral part of experimental design and to address a set of cross-site science questions on topics including responses of mature forests; interactions with temperature, water stress, and phosphorus limitation; and the influence of biodiversity.

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Climate change and extreme weather events affect plants and animals and the direct impact of anthropogenic climate change has been documented extensively over the past years. In this review, I address the main consequences of elevated CO2 and O3 concentrations, elevated temperature and changes in rainfall patterns on the interactions between insects and their host plants. Because of their tight relationship with host plants, insect herbivores are expected to suffer direct and indirect effects of climate change through the changes experienced by their host plants, with consequences to population dynamics, community structure and ecosystem functioning.

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