Warming shifts the thermal optimum of net photosynthesis (*T*<sub>optA</sub>) to higher temperatures. This study, using a whole-ecosystem warming controlled experiment under ambient or elevated CO₂ levels, shows that *T*<sub>optA</sub> of mature boreal conifers increased with warming, but not at the pace of warming itself (*T*<sub>optA</sub> increased by only 0.26–0.35 °C per 1 °C of warming). Net photosynthetic rates at mean growth temperature increased with warming in elevated CO₂ spruce, but remained constant in other treatments. Despite insufficient *T*<sub>optA</sub> shifts to fully keep pace with warming, these boreal conifers thermally acclimate photosynthesis to maintain carbon uptake.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Aug 03, 2023
Authors
Mirindi Eric Dusenge, Jeffrey M. Warren, Peter B. Reich, Eric J. Ward, Bridget K. Murphy, Artur Stefanski, Raimundo Bermudez, Marisol Cruz, David A. McLennan, Anthony W. King, Rebecca A. Montgomery, Paul J. Hanson, Danielle A. Way
Tags
thermal optimum
net photosynthesis
boreal conifers
warming
CO2 levels
thermal acclimation
Related Publications
Explore these studies to deepen your understanding of the subject.