Response of leaf dark respiration of winter wheat to changes in CO2 concentration and temperature

Accurate evaluation of dark respiration of plants is important for estimation of the plant carbon budget. The response of leaf dark respiration of winter wheat to changes in CO2 concentration and temperature was studied, using an open top chamber during 2011-2012, to understand how leaf dark respiration of winter wheat will respond to climate change. The results indicated that leaf dark respiration decreased linearly with increased CO2 concentration. Dark respiration decreased by about 11% under 560 mu mol mol(-1) CO2 compared with that under 390 mu mol mol(-1) CO2. Leaf dark respiration showed an exponential relationship with temperature, and the temperature constant (Q(10)) was close to 2. Moreover, the responses of leaf dark respiration to CO2 concentration and temperature were independent. A leaf dark respiration model based on CO2 concentration and temperature responses was developed. This model provides a method, for estimation of the leaf dark respiration rate of winter wheat under future climate change and guidance for establishment of crop carbon countermeasures.