Early vigour in wheat: Could it lead to more severe terminal drought stress under elevated atmospheric [CO₂] and semi‐arid conditions?

Early vigour in wheat is a trait that has received attention for its benefits reducing evaporation from the soil surface early in the season. However, with the growth enhancement common to crops grown under elevated atmospheric CO 2 concentrations (e[CO 2 ]), there is a risk that too much early growth might deplete soil water and lead to more severe terminal drought stress in environments where production relies on stored soil water content. If...