Effects of chronic elevated ozone exposure on gas exchange responses of adult beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) as related to the within-canopy light gradient

Mitsutoshi Kitao, Markus Löw, Christian Heerdt, Thorsten E.E. Grams, Karl Heinz Häberle, Rainer Matyssek

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

100 Scopus citations

Abstract

The effects of elevated O3 on photosynthetic properties in adult beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) were investigated in relation to leaf mass per area as a measure of the gradually changing, within-canopy light availability. Leaves under elevated O3 showed decreased stomatal conductance at unchanged carboxylation capacity of Rubisco, which was consistent with enhanced δ13C of leaf organic matter, regardless of the light environment during growth. In parallel, increased energy demand for O3 detoxification and repair was suggested under elevated O3 owing to enhanced dark respiration. Only in shade-grown leaves, light-limited photosynthesis was reduced under elevated O3, this effect being accompanied by lowered Fv/Fm. These results suggest that chronic O3 exposure primarily caused stomatal closure to adult beech trees in the field regardless of the within-canopy light gradient. However, light limitation apparently raised the O3 sensitivity of photosynthesis and accelerated senescence in shade leaves.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)537-544
Number of pages8
JournalEnvironmental Pollution
Volume157
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2009

Keywords

  • Adult trees
  • Chronic free-air O fumigation
  • Fagus sylvatica
  • Leaf differentiation
  • Light gradient
  • Photosynthetic capacity
  • Stomatal conductance

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of chronic elevated ozone exposure on gas exchange responses of adult beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) as related to the within-canopy light gradient'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this