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Ozone injury to vegetation in the northeastern US

Journal Article · · Phytopathology; (United States)
OSTI ID:5318975

Air pollution damage to vegetation is an increasing problem in many areas in the northeast. Of the photochemical phytotoxic oxidants, ozone is at least as important here as the oxidized hydrocarbons. In 1958, Richards, et al. described ozone injury to grapes as a dark upper surface stipple to older leaves. The authors have observed and reproduced this same type symptom on grapes, potatoes, and beans. In 1959, Heggestad, et al. attributed weather fleck (a light-colored fleck to upper leaf surface of older leaves) of tobacco to ozone toxicity. The authors have since observed and reproduced this symptom on tobacco, swiss chard, cucumber, spinach, turnip, mustard, carrot, radish, onion, parsley, watermelon, squash, tomato, cantaloupe, sunflower, sweet pea, escarolle, chicory, endive, and chickweed. Histological examinations of injured tissue revealed disorganized palisade cells. Cereal crops frequently exhibit necrotic spots and streaks on their leaves as a result of ozone injury. These streaks occur in well-aerated tissue between the veins. Some plants such as spinach and cucumber may exhibit either flecking or larger milk-white spots, whereas white pine shows a tip burn on current season needles.

Research Organization:
Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, NJ
OSTI ID:
5318975
Journal Information:
Phytopathology; (United States), Journal Name: Phytopathology; (United States) Vol. 53; ISSN PHYTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English