Photosynthetic performance, chloroplast pigments and mineral content of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) exposed to SO₂ and O₃ in an open‐air fumigation experiment

Abstract

Photosynthetic performance, mineral content and chloroplast pigments were investigated in August‐September 1988 and 1989 in Norway spruce trees (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) exposed to SO2, and O3 in an open‐air fumigation facility at Liphook, England. The data do not suggest a treatment effect on the mineral content of the needles in terms of nutrient leaching from the foliage. In addition, there were no direct SO2 and/or O3 effects on the content and/or composition of the chloroplast pigments. However, the long‐term application of SO2 resulted in a depression of net photosynthesis under light saturation and ambient CO2 (A 340) which was probably caused by a treatment‐related depression of the carboxylation efficiency (CE). In 1989, the supposed treatment effects were apparently masked by an insufficient N‐supply and probably also by low water availability during summer. However, fumigation appeared to accelerate an N‐deficiency‐related decrease of CE, stomatal closure and the age‐dependent development of the chlorophyll content of the needles. In 1989, an observed depression of the photosynthetic capacity (A2500) was in part accompanied by a decrease in light use efficiency (α), suggesting an enhanced photosensitivity resulting from the impact of several possible interacting stresses (drought, N deficiency and fumigation). The results support the general conclusion that long‐term low‐level SO2 dosage adversely affects the photosynthetic performance of the needle, whether directly or indirectly, and may also interact with other environmental stresses. The findings of our investigations are discussed with regard to the hypothesis of forest decline in the mountain regions of the Fichtelgebirge (north‐eastern Bavaria, Germany).

Stable isotopes in tree rings

“…An increase in CO 2 concentration enhances photosynthesis and can cause a reduction in g s . However, exposure to pollutants such as O 3 and SO 2 also induces stomatal closure, but in contrast is often accompanied by a concomitant decrease in net photosynthesis (A N ) (Matyssek et al 1997;Linzon 1972;Ziegler 1972;Parry and Gutteridge 1984;Martin et al 1988;Wedler et al 1995). Exposure to NOx sometimes leads to an increase in both A N and g s (Gessler et al 2000;.…”

Correlation Between Environmental Conditions and Foliar Chemical Parameters in Ait. Exposed to Urban Air Pollutants

“…The effect of sulphur gas emissions on photosynthesis has been reported for Picea abis (L.) Karst. by Wedler et al (1995), and for other species by Legge et al (1978). Winner et al (1985) have shown that SO 2 influences the CO 2 uptake of plants by changing the stomatal adjustment and/or by direct impact on the chloroplasts, and hence on the physiology of photosynthesis.…”

Ecophysiological Response of Plants to Combined Pollution from Heavy‐duty Vehicles and Industrial Emissions in Higher Humidity

“…The content of photosynthetic pigment in leaves, as a non-stomatal factor, was an important factor affecting the assimilation rate affirmatively. As many researchers have previously pointed out, reduction in the concentration of photosynthetic pigment is an indicator of leaf damage induced by atmospheric pollution (Gonzalez et al 2003;Wedler et al 1995;Dirral 1989), implying the damage of membrane integrity (Gonzalez et al 2003). From this point, decreases in net photosynthesis rate for P. orientalis and F. chinensis in the polluted area might be partly attributed to noticeably lower contents of Chl a, Chl b and carotenoid at RS ( Figure 6).…”