Abstract:

As global temperature and CO2 concentration continue to rise, global warming has a significant impact on agricultural activities. Understanding the photosynthetic physiology of sweet pepper in response to climate change can provide theoretical basis for the cultivation, management, and fruit processing of sweet pepper and other eggplant vegetables. A growth chamber experiment was conducted to study the response of photosynthetic physiology and pest occurrence in sweet pepper of the variety 115 to elevated temperature (current temperature +2 ℃) and high CO₂concentration (600 μmol·mol^-1). The net photosynthetic rate (P_n), stomatal conductance (G_s), leaf transpiration rate (T_r) and water use efficiency (WUE) of sweet pepper were significantly higher, while intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i) was decreased under higher temperature. Elevated temperature significantly increased chlorophyll a and b contents, while elevated CO₂ concentration reduced the photosynthetic pigments content. Elevated temperature and CO₂ concentration interacted to affect vitamin C content. Elevated temperature and CO₂ concentration affected yield components but not fresh weight. Elevated temperature and CO₂ concentration aggravated pest insect invasion. Photosynthesis and water use efficiency of sweet pepper was increased, with positive consequences on its growth and development. However, yield and aboveground biomass were not significantly changed due to the aggravation of insect pests in the later stage.

Key words: sweet pepper, photosynthesis, elevated \[CO₂\], temperature rise, vitamin C, yield, insect pest.