Climate change increases net CO₂assimilation in the leaves of strawberry, but not yield

Abstract

Fruit growth in strawberry is dependent on photosynthesis in the leaves. The main scenarios for climate change include an increase in the concentration of CO 2 in the atmosphere and an increase in temperature. This review examined photosynthesis in strawberry. The mean photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) for the saturation of CO 2 assimilation was 1,031 ± 447 µmol per m 2 per s, the median was 1,000 µmol per m 2 per s, and the range was from 467 to 2,200 µmol per m 2 per s (N = 59). The mean concentration of CO 2 for the saturation of assimilation was 869 ± 306 ppm, the median was 900 ppm, and the range was from 410 to 1,750 ppm (N = 32). The optimum temperature range for CO 2 assimilation was 20° to 30°C, with lower photosynthesis at lower or higher temperatures. The optimum temperatures for photosynthesis are higher than those for flowering and fruit growth. The impact of climate change on production varies across growing areas. In warm locations, higher temperatures increase photosynthesis, but not yield. In cool locations, higher temperatures increase plant growth and the length of the production season, but this comes at the expense of flower initiation.