EFFECTS OF CARBON DIOXIDE GAS ON BREAD WHEAT

This study investigates the effects of air pollution and climate change on agriculture, focusing specifically on the "Taner" variety of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in Konya, Turkey.In Konya, where industrial, traffic, and heating-related emissions are intense especially during winter CO₂ levels rise significantly, negatively impacting both environmental and agricultural health.In the research, wheat seeds were exposed to varying concentrations of CO₂, and their germination and growth processes were monitored.Seeds exposed to CO₂ showed significantly lower germination rates, reduced shoot length, and decreased biomass.Moreover, when these wheat samples were used as food for the model organism Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly), the survival rates decreased, and development periods were extended.These findings indicate that air pollution adversely affects not only plant development but also the health of organisms that consume these plants.The results reveal that increasing CO₂ levels threaten wheat yield and quality, posing serious risks to food security and environmental health.The study emphasizes the need for promoting renewable energy sources, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, and developing effective policies to combat air pollution.