Effect of Carbon Dioxide Enrichment on Growth of the Potato Plant1

Carbon dioxide enrichment of the greenhouse atmosphere, either in the period prior to tuberization or during the tuber development period of potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.), increased tuber yield significantly at harvest, compared to yields from plants grown in a conventional atmosphere. Enrichment during the tuber development period provided the greatest increase in tuber dry weight. The data indicated that the increase in yield was attributable to an increase in the net assimilation rate of carbon dioxide enriched plants and a corresponding increase in the relative growth rate.