Direct inhibition of leaf dark respiration by elevated CO₂ is minor in 12 grassland species

Summary • Direct inhibition of dark respiration by elevated atmospheric concentrations of CO 2 could alter the carbon balance of plants and ecosystems. The short‐term response of leaf dark respiration to elevated CO 2 concentrations are reported here in 12 grass and forb species of a North American grassland community. • Specific respiration rates at 25°C and a range of measurement CO 2 concentrations were determined for detached leaves of each species field‐grown in monoculture. • On average, respiration rates were 1.8% lower at 700 than at 360 µmol mol −1 CO 2 . Among species, responses ranged from a 6.4% inhibition to a 2.4% stimulation and were generally not statistically significant. Across a range of CO 2 concentrations from 360 to 1300 µmol mol −1 , respiration rates declined linearly and were 11% lower at 1300 than 360 µmol mol −1 CO 2 . • Direct inhibition of leaf respiration is small compared with other longer‐term, indirect effects of CO 2 on carbon exchange. The direct effects of rising atmospheric CO 2 concentrations on respiration rates should result in minimal effects on plant carbon exchange in grasslands.