A note on the effect of elevated concentrations of greenhouse gases on spring wheat yield in Ireland

Abstract

Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Minaret) was grown to maturity in open-top chambers under two concentrations of CO2 (ambient and 680 μmol/mol) and two concentrations of O3 (ambient and ambient +90 nmol/mol). Elevated concentrations of CO2 increased grain yield whereas yield was reduced by elevated O3. The damaging effect of elevated O3 on grain yield was reduced when the crop was grown in a combination of elevated CO2 and elevated O3. It is concluded that wheat production in Ireland is expected to benefit from rising concentrations of atmospheric CO2.