A comprehensive review of the impact of current gases in the atmosphere on growth yield and quality of fruit crops

Abstract

The impact of atmospheric gases on fruit crop growth, yield, and quality is a critical area of research due to the increasing concentrations of gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), ozone (O₃), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) in the atmosphere. These gases can affect plant physiology, including photosynthesis, biomass accumulation, and stress responses, affecting crop productivity and fruit quality. While elevated CO₂ generally enhances photosynthetic rates and biomass production, it is often counterbalanced by the detrimental effects of O₃, which induces oxidative stress in plants. Furthermore, CH₄ and N₂O contribute to climate change and may exacerbate the negative impact on fruit crops through altered temperature and water availability. This review explores these atmospheric gases' individual and combined effects on fruit crops, focusing on physiological responses, changes in fruit quality (such as nutrient content, sugar levels, and flavour), and overall yield patterns. It also discusses how these gases interact with plants and highlights key adaptation strategies, including breeding, biotechnology, and agronomic practices. Despite significant progress, there remain important research gaps, particularly in understanding multi-gas interactions, long-term effects on crop productivity, and the integration of climate modelling with agronomy research. The need for adaptive agricultural practices and mitigation strategies is emphasized to safeguard the future of fruit crop production in the face of climate change and evolving atmospheric conditions.