Effects of Ethylene diurea as a protective antiozonant on beans (Phaseolusvulgaris cv Lit) exposed to different tropospheric ozone doses in Catalonia (NE Spain)

A study to evaluate the effects of ethylene diurea (EDU) as a protective an tiozonant for beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) submitted to different ambient ozo ne concentrations was performed in three stations of the rural Network for Air Quality Monitoring (Catalonia, NE Spain). The highest ozone concentrati ons were accompanied by significant reductions in fruit yield, number of fr uits and shoot biomass. These reductions were lower in plants treated with EDU. The results showed toxic ozone effects on sensitive species such as be ans and a protective antiozonant effect of EDU. The intensity of the EDU pr otective effect differed among the different stations characterised by diff erent meteorological conditions and O-3 concentrations.