Growth responses and foliar sensitivities of native herbaceous species to ozone exposures

This paper reports on open-top chamber studies investigating the effects of different O₃ exposures on native herbaceous plant species. Plants were grown up from seeds, potted into natural soils and exposed to near-ambient O₃ levels during one growing season. A wide range of visible symptoms was apparent during the exposures. Species such as Rumex obtusifolius, Senecio vulgaris or Sonchus asper showed leaf colorations (e.g. reddish pigmentation) that probably indicate a non-specific stress response. In other species especially of the genera Malva and Cirsium the symptoms produced by O₃ appeared to be similar to those characteristic for O₃-specific foliar injury (stippling, flecking). In almost all species tested, O₃ caused premature leaf senescence, which was sometimes associated with premature leaf abscission. However, earlier senescence did not necessarily result in changes in plant growth. Of all species tested, Malva sylvestris was found to be the most sensitive in terms of growth reduction and lower seed production.