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Physiological action of smog on plants. I. Initial growth and transpiration studies

Journal Article · · Plant Physiol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.28.1.50· OSTI ID:6627342

The effect of synthetic smog (1-n-hexene plus ozone) on growth and transpiration of tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum) and on elongation of etiolated pea sections (Pisum sativum) has been studied. Use has been made of hidden damage (growth decrease in the absence of visible injury) to measure the effect of light, sucrose spray, ..beta..-naphthoxyacetic acid, and water supply on smog injury. Growth of tomato plants fumigated in the dark or light just following a 12-hour dark period or in the dark after one and one half hours of light was unaffected by smog. Growth of plants fumigated in the light at mid-day or early afternoon was signficantly decreased by smog treatment. Sucrose spray partially protected tomato plants against smog damage. ..beta..-naphthoxyacetic acid did not significantly affect the response of tomato plants to smog. Smog treatment did not affect the elongation of etiolated pea sections either in water or in 2,4-D solution. Tomato plants given limited water supply were resistant to smog damage while comparable plants receiving ample water were susceptible. Transpiration and water uptake rates of tomato plants were decreased by subjection to smog. The decrease was followed by recovery to slightly less than control rates. Subsequent fumigation caused repeated drops in transpiration rates followed by partial recovery. No direct correlation between stomatal opening and response of plants to smog was observed.

Research Organization:
California Inst. of Tech., Pasadena
OSTI ID:
6627342
Journal Information:
Plant Physiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Plant Physiol.; (United States) Vol. 28:1; ISSN PLPHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English