Abstract
Studies on stem (and leaf) structure and histology of a semi-natural grassland community, permanently growing in mini-FACE rings under elevated concentrations of atmospheric CO2 (560 μmol mol−1) are presented. Histochemical analysis of stem sections from legume plants grown under high CO2 concentration revealed both a reduction of lignin deposition in spring vascular bundles of Trifolium repens L., and a decrease in size of the xylem vessels in Vicia hybrida L. and Vicia sativa L. Thus, the effects of elevated CO2 on the stem histology of the species investigated are rather species-specific and/or organ-specific, and of major account especially in the early phases of vegetative growth, in particular as regards lignin deposition mechanisms. In leaves, neither differences as to lignification nor any other anatomical structure modification were found under CO2 enrichment.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Blaschke, L., Schulte, M., Raschi, A., Slee, N., Rennenberg, H., Polle, A.: Photosynthesis soluble and structural carbon compounds in two Mediterranean oak species (Quercus pubescens and Q. ilex) after lifetime growth at naturally enhanced CO2 concentrations.-Plant Biol. 3: 288–297, 2001.
Bradford, M.M.: A rapid and sensitive method for the quantitation of microgram quantities of protein utilizing the principle of protein-dye binding.-Anal. Biochem. 72: 248–254, 1976.
Hasselman, K.: Climate change research after Kyoto.-Nature 390: 225–226, 1997.
Hatfield, R., Vermerris, W.: Lignin formation in plants. The dilemma of linkage specificity.-Plant Physiol. 126: 1351–1357, 2001.
Hendrey, G.R., Lewin, K.F., Nagy, J.: Free air carbon dioxide enrichment: development, progress, results.-Vegetatio 104/105: 17–31, 1993.
Miglietta, F., Hoosbeek, M.R., Foot, J., Gigon, F., Hassinen, A., Heijmans, M., Peressotti, A., Saarinen, T., Van Breemen, N., Wallén, B.: Spatial and temporal performance of the miniFACE (free air CO2 enrichment) system on bog ecosystems in Northern and Central Europe.-Environ. Monitor. Assess. 66: 107–127, 2001.
Miglietta, F., Lanini, M., Bindi, M., Magliulo, V.: Free air CO2 enrichment of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.): design and performance of the CO2-fumigation system.-Global Change Biol. 3: 417–427, 1997.
O'Brien, T.P., McCully, M.E. (ed.): The Study of Plant Structure. Principles and Selected Methods.-Termacarphi, Melbourne 1981.
Polle, A., Eiblmeier, M., Sheppard, L., Murray, M.: Responses of antioxidative enzymes to elevated CO2 in leaves of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings grown under a range of nutrient regimes.-Plant Cell Environ. 20: 1317–1321, 1997.
Polle, A., McKee, I., Blaschke, L.: Altered physiological and growth responses to elevated [CO2] in offsprings from holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) mother trees with lifetime exposure to naturally elevated [CO2].-Plant Cell Environ. 24: 1075–1083, 2001.
Polle, A., Pfirrmann, T., Chakrabarti, S., Rennenberg, H.: The effects of enhanced ozone and enhanced carbon dioxide concentrations on biomass, pigments and antioxidative enzymes in spruce needles (Picea abies L.).-Plant Cell Environ 16: 311–316, 1993.
Poorter, H., Van Berkel, Y., Baxter, R., den Hertog, J., Dijkstra, P., Gifford, R.M., Griffin, K.L., Roumet, C., Roy, J., Wong, S.C.: The effect of elevated CO2 on the chemical composition and construction costs of leaves of 27 C3 species.-Plant Cell Environ. 20: 472–482, 1997.
Rao, M.V., Hale, B.A., Ormrod, D.P.: Amelioration of ozone-induced oxidative damage in wheat plants grown under high carbon dioxide.-Plant Physiol. 109: 421–432, 1995.
Ruzin, S.E. (ed.): Plant Microtechnique and Microscopy.-Oxford University Press, Oxford 1999.
Sanità di Toppi, L., Marabottini, R., Badiani, M., Raschi, A.: Antioxidant status in herbaceous plants growing under elevated CO2 in mini-FACE rings.-J. Plant Physiol. 159: in press, 2002a.
Sanità di Toppi, L., Torricelli, E., Raschi, A.: Higher plant response to elevated concentrations of atmospheric CO2.-Recent Res. Develop. Plant Biol. 2: 1–14, 2002b.
Schwanz, P., Polle, A.: Antioxidative systems, pigment and protein contents in leaves of adult Mediterranean oak species (Quercus pubescens and Q. ilex) with lifetime exposure to elevated CO2.-New Phytol. 140: 411–423, 1998.
Sederoff, R.R., MacKay, J.J., Ralph, J., Hatfield, R.: Unexpected variation in lignin.-Curr. Opin. Plant Biol. 2: 145–152, 1999.
Tognetti, R., Longobucco, A., Miglietta, F., Raschi, A.: Water relations, stomatal response and transpiration of Quercus pubescens trees during summer in a Mediterranean carbon dioxide spring.-Tree Physiol. 19: 261–270, 1999.
Watling, J.R., Press, M.C., Quick, W.P.: Elevated CO2 induces biochemical and ultrastructural changes in leaves of the C4 cereal sorghum.-Plant Physiol. 123: 1143–1152, 2000.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sanità di Toppi, L., Fabbri, A., Favali, M. et al. Elevated CO2 Reduces Vessel Diameter and Lignin Deposition in Some Legume Plants Grown in Mini-FACE Rings. Biologia Plantarum 46, 243–249 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022806812134
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022806812134