CO(2) Fertilisation of Growth in Wild C(4) Grasses may be Amplified by Upregulated Photosynthesis.

Elevated CO2 (550 ppm) increased net photosynthesis in three African C4 grasses, with stronger responses under drought, and induced species- and context-dependent increases in apparent photosynthetic capacity after prolonged exposure.

• Why it matters: It is unclear whether sustained eCO2 changes photosynthetic capacity in C4 plants beyond indirect water-relation effects, limiting predictions of carbon gain under future atmospheric conditions.
• What they did: Three African C4 grasses were grown under ambient (400 ppm) and elevated (550 ppm) CO2 with differing soil water availability, measuring photosynthesis, biochemical capacity (e.g., Vcmax and Jmax), and growth after prolonged treatment.
• The result: Growth responses mirrored physiological acclimation: only species showing coordinated biochemical adjustment increased growth, suggesting eCO2 can contribute directly to carbon gain, especially under water limitation.

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