Effects of Carbon Dioxide Enrichment on the Growth and Morphology of Kudzu (Pueraria lobata)
Kudzu (Pueraria lobataOhwi # PUELO) was grown from seeds in controlled-environment chambers at 350, 675, or 1000μl·1−1CO2. Biomass and leaf area production, morphological characteristics, and growth analysis components were determined at 14, 24, 45, and 60 days after emergence. At 60 days, plants grown at 1000μl·1−1CO2had 51% more biomass, 58% longer stems, and 50% more branches than plants grown at 350μl·1−1CO2. Plants grown at 675μl·1−1CO2were intermediate. Growth analysis components indicated that CO2enrichment increased growth by compounding effects due to increased net assimilation rates and increased leaf area duration. Relative growth rates were not significantly affected. The large CO2-induced increase in stem height versus stem diameter is in marked contrast to previously reported responses of woody erect growth forms. Possible ecological implications for competitive abilities are discussed.