Optimal stomatal theory predicts that stomata operate to maximize photosynthesis (Anet ) and minimize transpirational water loss to achieve optimal intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE). We tested whether this theory can predict stomatal responses to elevated atmospheric CO2 (eCO2 ), and whether it can capture differences in responsiveness among woody plant functional types (PFTs).

We conducted a meta-analysis of tree studies of the effect of eCO2 on iWUE and its components Anet and stomatal conductance (gs ). We compared three plant functional types (PFTs), using the Unified Stomatal Optimisation (USO) model to account for confounding effects of leaf-air vapour pressure difference (D). We expected smaller gs , but greater Anet , responses to eCO2 in gymnosperms compared to angiosperm PFTs.

We found that iWUE increased in proportion to increasing eCO2 in all PFTs, and that increases in Anet had stronger effects than reductions in gs . The USO model correctly captured stomatal behaviour with eCO2 across most datasets. The chief difference among PFTs was a lower stomatal slope parameter (g1 ) for the gymnosperm, compared to angiosperm, species.

Land surface models can use the USO model to describe stomatal behaviour under changing atmospheric CO2 conditions.