Elevated CO2 alters photosynthesis, growth and susceptibility to powdery mildew of oak seedlings

• DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230002
• Publication Date: 2023-07-27T08:40:06Z
• Authors: Rosa Sanchez-Lucas; Carolina Mayoral; Mark Raw; Maria-Anna Mousou...; Estrella Luna
• Keywords: Quercus robur

Elevated CO2 (eCO2) is a determinant factor of climate change and known to alter plant processes such as physiology, growth resistance pathogens. Quercus robur, tree species integrated in most forest regeneration strategies, shows high vulnerability powdery mildew (PM) disease at the seedling stage. PM present oak forests it considered bottleneck for woodland regeneration. Our study aims decipher effect eCO2 on responses PM. Oak seedlings were grown controlled environment ambient (aCO2, ∼400 ppm) (∼1000 ppm), infected with Erysiphe alphitoides, causal agent Plant growth, physiological parameters progression monitored. In addition, evaluate induced (IR), these assessed after treatments IR elicitor β-aminobutyric acid (BABA). results show that increases photosynthetic rates aerial but contrast, reduces root length. Importantly, under more susceptible Treatments BABA protected against this protection was maintained eCO2. Moreover, irrespectively concentration CO2, did not significantly resulted longer radicular systems, thus mitigating shortening. demonstrate impact defence, warrant further biomolecular studies unravel mechanisms by which susceptibility