Regulating plant/insect interactions using CO 2 enrichment in model ecosystems

• Published in: Advances in space research Vol. 24; no. 3; pp. 281 - 291
• Main Authors: Grodzinski, B., Schmidt, J.M., Watts, B., Taylor, J., Bates, S., Dixon, M.A., Staines, H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 1999
• ISSN: 0273-1177; 1879-1948
• DOI: 10.1016/S0273-1177(99)00315-4

The greenhouse environment is a challenging artificial ecosystem in which it is possible to study selected plant/insect interaction in a controlled environment. Due to a combination of “direct” and “indirect” effects of CO
2 enrichment on plant photosynthesis and plant development, canopy productivity is generally increased. In this paper, we discuss the effects of daytime and nighttime CO
2 enrichment protocols on gas exchange of pepper plants (
Capsicum annuum
L, cv Cubico) grown in controlled environments. In addition, we present the effects of thrips, a common insect pest, on the photosynthetic and respiratory activity of these plant canopies. Carbon dioxide has diverse effects on the physiology and mortality of insects. However, our data indicate that thrips and whiteflies, at least, are not killed “directly” by CO
2 levels used to enhance photosynthesis and plant growth. Together the data suggest that the insect population is affected “indirectly” by CO
2 and that the primary effect of CO
2 is via its effects on plant metabolism.