Kudzu ( Pueraria lobata Ohwi # PUELO) was grown from seeds in controlled-environment chambers at 350, 675, or 1000 μ l·1 −1 CO 2 . Biomass and leaf area production, morphological characteristics, and growth analysis components were determined at 14, 24, 45, and 60 days after emergence. At 60 days, plants grown at 1000 μ l·1 −1 CO 2 had 51% more biomass, 58% longer stems, and 50% more branches than plants grown at 350 μ l·1 −1 CO 2 . Plants grown at 675 μ l·1 −1 CO 2 were intermediate. Growth analysis components indicated that CO 2 enrichment increased growth by compounding effects due to increased net assimilation rates and increased leaf area duration. Relative growth rates were not significantly affected. The large CO 2 -induced increase in stem height versus stem diameter is in marked contrast to previously reported responses of woody erect growth forms. Possible ecological implications for competitive abilities are discussed.
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Sasek et al. (1988) studied this question.