Nectar and flower production in Vicia faba L (field bean) at ambient and elevated carbon dioxide

Atmospheric CO2 has been predicted to double by the year 2100. Elevated CO2 causes an increase in photosynthetic rate and extra assimilate is allocated to plant growth, seed and fruit production. Increased investment in flowers may have implications for pollination in entomophilous plants. Floral nectar standing crop, flower production and longevity were examined in Vicia faba, field bean, at ambient and elevated CO2. Nectar standing crop did not differ significantly between treatments but plants grown at elevated CO2 produced approximately 25% more flowers per plant and these lived 17% longer than those grown at ambient CO2. A plant grown at elevated CO2 may thus produce more nectar in total and, together with its increased floral display, may be more attractive to pollinators, but pollen flow will not necessarily be improved.