Upscaling Biogenic Volatile Compound Emissions from Leaves to Landscapes

Abstract

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) produced by trees participate in the formation of air pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter. At the same time, the metabolic processes responsible for these emissions are sensitive to ozone and other air pollutants, as well as the solar radiation flux, which is affected by atmospheric particulate concentration. Recent anthropogenic increases in the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration are also capable of affecting BVOC emissions, although the mechanisms behind these responses can produce variable effects depending on the plant species. Mechanisms of air pollutant effects on BVOC emissions are reviewed and dose-response relationships across a variety of trees with differing pollutant tolerance and emission capacity are compared. From this broad analysis, generalized response patterns have been developed. This chapter emphasizes the need to consider the interactions between BVOC emissions and ozone to understand plant behaviour in future climates.