Growth Responses of Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne and Phalaris aquatica to Chronic Ozone Exposure

Abstract

D. glomerata, L. perenne and P. aquatica were exposed to 9 parts per hundred million ozone for 4 h per day on 5 days per week for 5 weeks. The grasses responded similarly and significant changes in growth were generally observed only at the end of the exposure. The changes in growth were accompanied by slight leaf chlorosis. Total dry weight and yield (above-ground dry weight) were significantly reduced (14-21%) by the treatment. Root growth was impaired the most, followed by stem and then leaves. Specific leaf area was generally lower in ozone-treated plants but the difference was not significant. Effects on relative growth rate were mainly due to the decrease in net assimilation rate, leaf area ratio remaining relatively unchanged.