Wild berries 'reap the benefit' of C02 increases
Increasing levels of atmospheric CO2 and Ultra violet radiation may provide unexpected benefits to wild berry species according to a study in the Swedish sub-arctic conducted by scientists at Aberystwyth University. Such berries are an important food harvest for the people of Northern Europe during late summer and autumn. They also represent a vital source of nutrition to birds at high latitudes. In findings from a 20 year experiment just published in the journal Ambio, the team discovered that when plants were exposed to a combination of enhanced UV and elevated CO2, the antioxidant content of bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) increased, together with the quantities of berries produced. UV radiation also increased levels of seed fertility. Enhanced levels of UV remain an environmental concern at high latitudes since the discovery of the ozone ‘hole’ in 1985. Atmospheric concentrations of CO2 continue to rise contributing to future climate warming. However, this study suggests pot...