The response of clones of Populus tremuloides differing in sensitivity to ozone in the field

Abstract

Ozone (O3)-sensitive and tolerant clones of aspen (Populus tremuloides) were exposed to O3 at 1.0, 1.7 and 3.0 times the concentration in ambient air at Ithaca, NY, USA (x 1.0, x 1.7 and x 3.0) for 3 months. Visible foliar injury occurred within a few days of the initiation of treatments and developed continuously in x 1.7 and x 3.0 treatments. Leaf senescence began earlier in trees exposed to greater-than-ambient treatments. Gas-exchange variables were measured five times over the growing season. Net photosynthesis was progressively decreased and finally reduced by 40 and 70% on tolerant and sensitive clones, respectively, but stomatal conductance was not affected by the O3 treatments. As stomatal conductance (g(s)) values did not differ in the two types of aspen, we conclude that this is not the defense mechanism to O3 in aspen. At the end of the season, dry weight was reduced by up to 55 and 35% in sensitive and tolerant clones, respectively. Ozone effects were significant and linear on foliar injury, biomass and growth variables such as height, diameter of stem and total leaf area. The levels of two antioxidants, ascorbic acid and glutathione, were investigated to determine if a clonal difference occurred. Concentrations of the free-radical scavengers did not differ in the clones, nor did they seem to be induced by O3. A cumulative O3 index, SUM06 (the sum of the total μl l-1 of exposure when the O3 concentration exceeded 0.06 μl l-1), was highly correlated with most foliar injury variables and gas-exchange variables except g(s) in higher O3 treatments. The reduction of carbon gain due to O3 is discussed with regard to foliar damage and biomass decrease.