Changes in pollen autofluorescence induced by ozone

The changes in the autofluorescence spectra of intact Philadelphus grandifl orus, Epiphyllum hybridum, and Plantago major pollen have been observed wit h microspectrofluorometric method after 100-h exposure to ozone (3 h per da y for 5 d per week in total dose 5.0 cm(3) m(-3)), The fluorescence maximum at 530 - 550 nm disappeared in carotenoid-containing pollen of Philadelphu s grandiflorus and Epiphyllum hybridum, and new maximum at 475 - 480 nm aro se that correlated with lipofuscin-like substances observed in the extracts from the pollen grains, The carotenoid-less pollen of Plantago major showe d only the increase of the maximum at 470 nm, and no lipofuscin in the extr acts, It is supposed that main indicator of the pollen damage by ozone in c arotenoid-containing microspores are the lipofuscin-like compounds.