Isoprene emissions from a Florida scrub oak species grown in ambient and elevated carbon dioxide

The emission of isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) by terrestrial vegetation is an important biosphere–atmosphere exchange which significantly impacts tropospheric chemistry. Isoprene emissions from Chapman oak (Quercus chapmanii) grown for over two years in elevated CO2 levels were measured and compared to emissions from trees grown in ambient CO2 levels in identical open-topped chambers, and emissions from ambient-grown trees were compared to emissions from trees grown in chamberless control plots. Emission rates were adjusted to 30 μmol m−2 s−1 of light intensity and 30°C, and standard T-tests were performed to compare emission rates. No significant differences in isoprene emission were found in ambient vs. elevated CO2 grown trees, while emissions from ambient vs. control trees showed a significant chamber effect.