Carbohydrate metabolism under increased CO2 concentration in the environment

This Master thesis deals with the effect of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) and irradiation on the content of nonstructural carbohydrates of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) leaves and Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.) needles. Nonstructural carbohydrate content reflects the balance between carbon assimilation and utilization. Elevated [CO2] usually causes increase in the assimilation rate and changes in processes, in which assimilated carbon is utilized. These changes are often accompanied by increase of nonstructural carbohydrate levels - soluble carbohydrates and starch. Material used in this thesis comes from experimental site of the Global Change Research Institute (GCRI) AS CR at Bílý kříž in the Beskydy mountains. Juvenile European beech and Norway spruce trees grown in a closed canopy were treated by elevated [CO2] (700 ppm) for six growing seasons. The samples were taken in two different times of the vegetation season from sun exposed and shades leaves and needles. The carbohydrate content and spectra were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. Supplemental short-term experiment focused on the diurnal dynamics of nonstructural carbohydrate content was performed using juvenile spruce trees growing for four weeks in fully controlled conditions..