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Foliar response and growth of apple trees following exposure to ozone and sulfur dioxide

Journal Article · · J. Am. Soc. Hortic. Sci.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6863762

Three cultivars of greenhouse-grown apple trees (Malus domestica, Borkh.) were fumigated for single, 4-hour exposures with ozone (O/sub 3/) and/or sulfur dioxide (SO/sub 2/) at 0.40 and 0.80 ppm. Fumigations were performed in a plexiglass chamber situated within a controlled environment walk-in growth chamber. All 3 cultivars responded to treatments in a similar manner. When applied separately both gases induced characteristic foliar injury. In general, apple trees were more sensitive to 0.40 ppm O/sub 3/ than to 0.40 ppm SO/sub 2/; but they responded similarly to 0.80 ppm O/sub 3/ or SO/sub 2/. Foliar injury, leaf abscission, and shoot growth reduction were greatest when 0.80 ppm O/sub 3/ and 0.80 ppm SO/sub 2/ were combined. The data showed a less-than additive response when the 2 pollutants were combined; a response due, in part, to the high amount of injury induced by single pollutants at these concentrations. All O/sub 3/ and/or SO/sub 2/ fumigations resulted in stomatal closure.

Research Organization:
Cornell Univ., Geneva, NY
OSTI ID:
6863762
Journal Information:
J. Am. Soc. Hortic. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Am. Soc. Hortic. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 105:4; ISSN JOSHB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English