Differential effects of environmental stressors on physiological processes and methane emissions in pea (Pisum sativum) plants at various growth stages.

Many studies have investigated the effects of one or two environmental factors on methane (CH 4) emissions from plants at a single growth stage, but the impact that multiple co-occurring stress factors may have on emissions at different growth stages has rarely been studied. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of temperature, ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation, and watering regime on CH 4 emissions and some relevant physiological characteristics of pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. 237 J Sundance) plants at three growth stages. We grew plants under two temperature regimes (22/18 °C and 28/24 °C; 16 h light/8 h dark), two UVB levels [0 and 5 kJ m−2 d−1] and two watering regimes (well-watered, watering plants to field capacity, and water-stressed, watering plants at wilting point). Measurements were then taken after 10, 20, and 30 days of growth under experimental conditions, following seven days of initial growth under 22/18 °C. Higher temperatures, UVB5, and water stress adversely affected photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence, but increased CH 4 emissions, which decreased with increased plant age. Also, interaction of higher temperatures and UVB5 reversed the pattern of CH 4 emissions at growth stages, compared to that of other treatments. We conclude that CH 4 emission decreases with plant age, and it is affected by stress factors through changes in physiological activities of plants. • Examining the effects of multiple stress factors on methane emissions from plants is important. • High temperature, UVB radiation and water stress adversely affect plant physiological processes. • Aerobic methane emission is increased by environmental stressors, but decreased with plant age. • This study has important implications for the estimation of global methane fluxes from vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]