Pushpendra Singh Chaudhary, Nand Kishor Sharma, Shikha Yadav and Muhilan Mahendhiran
Abstract
Climate change drives rising atmospheric CO2, impacting vegetable crops in polyhouses. Elevated CO2 enhances photosynthesis, biomass, and yield while altering quality attributes. This review examines its dual effects on high-value horticultural crops under controlled conditions. Positive outcomes include increased fructose (14.2%), glucose (13.2%), total soluble sugars (17.5%), antioxidant capacity (59.0%), phenols (8.9%), flavonoids (45.5%), ascorbic acid (9.5%), and calcium (8.2%). Conversely, it reduces protein (9.5%), nitrate (18.0%), magnesium (9.2%), iron (16.0%), and zinc (9.4%). Specific responses in lettuce, tomato, and potato are highlighted. CO2 enrichment boosts yield but compromises nutritional quality, necessitating targeted management and breeding strategies.