May 22, 2026 | Discover Applied Sciences | Sitthan
This study conducted by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia evaluated the photosynthetic responses of five tropical fruit tree species to elevated temperature and atmospheric CO₂ concentrations associated with climate change. As rising temperatures and changing environmental conditions threaten tropical fruit production, understanding species-specific physiological responses is important for selecting climate-resilient crops and developing appropriate management strategies.
The researchers measured photosynthetic performance of mature leaves from durian (Durio zibethinus), mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), kristal (Pometia pinnata), dabai (Canarium odontophyllum), and engkalak (Litsea garciae). Gas exchange was assessed under two temperature regimes (25 and 30 °C) and two CO₂ concentrations (400 and 700 ppm) using a portable photosynthesis system.
The results showed that durian, mangosteen, engkalak, and kristal exhibited high net photosynthetic rates under favorable conditions. However, when exposed to increased temperature and CO₂, Canarium odontophyllum, Garcinia mangostana, and Pometia pinnata demonstrated better gas-exchange performance and greater physiological tolerance than the other species. Among the evaluated crops, mangosteen and kristal showed the strongest capacity to maintain photosynthetic activity under simulated future climate conditions.
The study suggests that these species are better suited for cultivation under warming climates and provides useful information for crop selection and management to improve the resilience of tropical fruit production systems.
