Growth and Gas Exchange Responses of Olive Tree Cuttings to Elevated CO2 Concentration under Saline Conditions

Abstract

Physiological responses of olive cuttings of `Koroneiki' and `Picual' (Olea europaea L.) to zero or high salinity (NaCl 100 mmol·L-1) and to ambient CO2 (380 ppm) or elevated (700 ppm) CO2 concentration were studied in sand culture in greenhouses. Growth parameters, net gas exchange of leaves and leaf chloride concentration were measured after two months of treatment. `Koroneiki' had significantly greater shoot growth and net assimilation of CO2 (Ac) at elevated CO2 than at ambient CO2 but this difference disappeared under salt stress. Growth and Ac of `Picual' did not respond to elevated CO2 regardless of salinity treatment. Stomatal conductance and leaf transpiration were lower at elevated CO2 such that leaf water use efficiency increased at elevated CO2 in both cultivars regardless of saline treatment. The saline treatment increased leaf chloride (Cl) concentration and reduced growth and net gas exchange responses in both cultivars. There was no difference in leaf Cl accumulation between the two varieties. At high salinity, elevated CO2 had little effect on leaf Cl implying that at least in `Koroneiki', Cl accumulation was not closely linked to water uptake.