Effects of Carbon Dioxide Enrichment on the Expansion and Size of Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) Leaves

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Abstract
Seedlings of kudzu were grown at 350, 675, or 1000 μl/L CO2in controlled-environment chambers. At elevated CO2concentrations, maximum leaf expansion rates were approximately 40% greater, leaves were fully expanded several days sooner, fully expanded leaves were larger at each leaf position, and leaf production rates were increased 12%. Peak starch accumulation was much greater in plants grown at elevated CO2concentrations. Total xylem water potentials were higher (less negative) at full hydration, and osmotic potentials were decreased (more negative) by CO2enrichment. At 1000 μl/L CO2, leaf turgor pressure was twice that at 350 μl/L CO2. Results suggest that leaf expansion rates and leaf expansivity may have been increased due to higher turgor pressure at the higher CO2concentrations. The potential for successful seedling establishment may be enhanced as the atmospheric CO2concentration continues to rise, increasing kudzu invasiveness.