Future heatwave conditions inhibit CO₂-induced stomatal closure in wheat.

ABSTRACT: As global temperatures and the severity of droughts continue to increase, food crops will more frequently experience high vapour pressure deficit (VPD) during heatwave events. However, the interactive effects of rising atmospheric CO₂ and high-VPD heatwaves on crop water fluxes and yields are currently unknown. We investigate stomatal, photosynthetic and productivity changes in wheat during simulated future high-VPD heatwaves, under ambient (450 ppm) or elevated (720 ppm) CO₂ concentrations, across four N-fertiliser treatments. We measured the physiological response of abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces to elevated CO₂ concentration and/or high-VPD heatwave exposure, and quantified drought responses, seasonal water usage and ear weight. Transpiration (E) and

SUBMITTER: Caine RS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12780326 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature