G. Wieser et Wm. Havranek, EVALUATION OF OZONE IMPACT ON MATURE SPRUCE AND LARCH IN THE FIELD, Journal of plant physiology, 148(1-2), 1996, pp. 189-194
During the growing seasons 1986 to 1993 we examined the effects of ozo
ne (O-3) on the gas exchange of mature Norway spruce (Picea abies) and
European larch (Larix decidua) trees under field conditions at a low
and a high elevation site. Twigs were enclosed in chambers and exposed
to different O-3 concentrations for one or two seasons tracking ambie
nt climatic conditions. After one and two fumigation periods, only mea
n O-3 concentrations higher than 100 ppb caused a pronounced decline i
n gas exchange, both in spruce and larch. The observed lack in symptom
expression at mean O-3 concentrations lower than 100 ppb can be attri
buted to modifications in the amount of O-3 entering the needles. At b
oth study sites O-3 uptake (F-O3) was effectively controlled by stomat
al conductance (gH(2)O) and therefore by factors such as light, humidi
ty and water status, controlling gH(2)O. Water vapour pressure deficit
(VPD) was the climatic factor most closely correlated with ambient O-
3 concentration. Thus, when O-3 concentrations were highest, F-O3 tend
ed to be restricted by stomatal narrowing. Mitigation of potential O-3
stress by stomatal narrowing was more pronounced at the low elevation
site where soil water stress and VPD were greater than at high altitu
de. On the other hand, the capability to detoxify oxygen radicals is g
reater in plants growing at high altitude. Therefore, we conclude that
ambient O-3 concentration presently does not constitute an acute dang
er for spruce and latch trees.