Adaptation of grasses in the Netherlands to air pollution

Abstract

SUMMARYIn three separate experiments, the response of three populations of Agrostis capillaris L., Nardus stricta L., and Lolium perenne L., from areas differing in ambient air pollution concentrations, were examined in experimental fumigations using SO.^, O.,, NO, and NH.,. Growth of .4. capillaris generally increased following the fumigations, except at the highest pollutant concentrations (120/(g m •' (),,, alone or combined with 150//g m •' SO, and 35 //g m -NO.j). (Jrow-th of each population of A^. stricta was stimulated by the SO, and NH., combination, but vvas significantly increased only in the poptilations originating from the ri-iost heavily polluted of the three areas. The growth of L. perenne was not inhibited by any air pollutant or combination of pollutants. f3espite a low grow-th rate in clean air and a large ati-iount of within-population variation, hiomass production was significantly stimulated by the highest pollutant mixture.1 he response of each species to the experimental treatn-ients depended in part on the location from which it originated. This site-dependent (population) response differed between species, suggesting that the selective processes induced by these air pollutant concentrations were insufficient for a clear-cut adaptation to gaseous air pollutants.

Turfgrass Benefits and Issues

“…In a calcareous soil, red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) was sensitive to ozone, and plant populations declined while populations of other plants, including some known turf weeds, such as Plantago lanceolata L., increased (Thwaites et al, 2006). Exposure to ozone may be toxic to turfgrasses in some instances (Ashenden et al, 1996) but in other situations has li le to no signifi cant eff ect, depending on factors such as the adapted varieties or species, environmental conditions, and time (Dueck et al, 1988;Bender et al, 2006). Some turfgrasses, such as Agrostis capillaris L., have adapted to air polluted with ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ammonia and show a positive growth response to increasing concentrations of these pollutants (Dueck et al, 1988).…”

“…Exposure to ozone may be toxic to turfgrasses in some instances (Ashenden et al, 1996) but in other situations has li le to no signifi cant eff ect, depending on factors such as the adapted varieties or species, environmental conditions, and time (Dueck et al, 1988;Bender et al, 2006). Some turfgrasses, such as Agrostis capillaris L., have adapted to air polluted with ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ammonia and show a positive growth response to increasing concentrations of these pollutants (Dueck et al, 1988). Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) biomass was reduced in the presence of 40 μg L −1 sulfur dioxide plus nitrogen dioxide while the biomass of A. capillaris was only reduced when in the presence of sulfur dioxide plus nitrogen dioxide when misted with water at pH ≤ 3.5 (Ashenden et al, 1996).…”

The effects of ozone on growth and stomatal response in the F₂ generation of hybrid poplar (Populus trichocarpa × Populus deltoides)

“…Total biomass was given a greater consideration than other study variables for two reasons. First, it is regarded as a reliable predictor and as an excellent and sensitive integrator of plant function under stress (Dueck et al 1987). Second, biomass production is one of the main goals of short rotation intensive culture.…”

Geographical variation in the response to nitrogen deposition inArabidopsis lyrata petraea

“…On a fine scale, effects of gene flow may limit adaptation, whereas on a coarse scale, interference of secondary factors such as climate will become more important. The few studies that address the possibility of N‐induced evolution of adaptive genotypes were performed at a relatively fine (subnational) scale on plants originating from sites with different air pollution characteristics (Dueck et al ., 1988; Taylor & Bell, 1988). In these studies, which mainly focused on plant fitness, adaptive responses to increased atmospheric N deposition were not found.…”