Mark Sullivan's post initially mentions the effects of carbon dioxide on
orchid growth but then gets on to an entirely different subject, carbon
dioxide and global warming. The negative information about the ability of enhanced
plant growth to control global warming through carbon fixation seems to be
intermingled with the concept of growth enhancement of orchids by elevated carbon
dioxide. The latter is strongly supported by numerous references in
"Physiology of Tropical Orchids in Relation to the Industry" [CS Hew & JWH Yong, 1996,
Singapore], and appears to be a much underexploited device to enhance orchid
growth and flowering. Orchids respond positively to as much as 1% atmospheric
carbon dioxide, which is over 25 times normal. Such phrases in the post as
"Carbon Dioxide Theory Debunked" might be construed to apply in a negative sense
to orchids as well.
Compelling and frightening evidence exists about the effect of elevated
carbon dioxide on global warming. The study cited by Mark of the long term
effect of enhanced carbon dioxide on the growth of a specific species, Galactia
elliottii, in a specific location where molybdenum is limiting, does not
contribute much to the issue.
Bert Pressman
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