Photosynthetic responses of pea plants (Pisum sativum L. cv. Little marvel) exposed to climate change in Riyadh city, KSA

Pots study was conducted to determine interactive effects of climate change (NO(2), SO(2) and O(3)) on photosynthetic responses in pea. The seeds of pea plants (Pisum sativum L. cv. Little marvel) were grown full-season in three pots arranged at four localities in Riyadh city, KSA. Photosynthetic rates (P(n)) were measured three times during vegetative and reproductive stages with portable gas exchange system (LI-COR 6400). In general, P(n) rates were highly stimulated at Elsefarat area and highly reduced at the 2(nd) Industrial city but variable at other localities in Riyadh city. The data showed continuous increases in P(n) rates during pre-flowering and early seed formation and drops during late seed formation stage. This study supports that the agricultural areas could have a protective role against adverse impacts of gases exposure in highly polluted areas.