Elevated CO2 concentrations alter nitrogen metabolism and accelerate senescence in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants

Elevated CO2 concentrations were found to cause early senescence during leaf development in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants, probably by reducing nitrogen availability since key enzymes of nitrogen metabolism, including nitrate reductase (NR); glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), were affected. Elevated CO2 concentrations significantly decreased the activity of nitrogen assimilation enzymes (NR and GS) and increased GDH deaminating activities. Moreover, they substantially rose the transcript levels of GS1 while lowering those of GS2. Increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations doubled the CO2 fixation and increased transpiration rates, although these parameters decreased during leaf ontogeny. It can be concluded that elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations alter enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolism at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, thereby boosting mobilization of nitrogen in leaves and triggering early senescence in sunflower plants.