Work

Growth Response of Four Species of Eastern Hardwood Tree Seedlings Exposed to Ozone, Acidic Precipitation, and Sulfur Dioxide

Year: 1992

Type: article

Abstract: In 1987 a study was conducted in controlled environment chambers to determine the foliar sensitivity of tree seedlings of eight species to ozone and acidic precipitation, and to determine the influence of leaf position on symptom severity. Jensen and Dochinger conducted concurrent similar studies in Continuously Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) chambers with ten species of forest trees. Based on the results of these initial studies, four species representing a range in foliar sensitivity to ozone were chosen: black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.), red maple (Acer rubrum L.), northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.). These species were also chosen because of their ecological and/or commercial importance in Pennsylvania. Seedlings were exposed in growth chambers simulated acid rain. In addition acute exposures to sulfur dioxide were conducted in a regime based on unpublished monitoring data collected near coal-fired power plants. The objective of this study was to determine if the pollutant treatments influenced the growth and productivity of seedlings of these four species. This information will help researchers and foresters understand the role of air pollution in productivity of eastern forests.

Source: Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association

DOI: 10.1080/10473289.1992.10466995

Authors: Donald D. Davis, John M. Skelly

Institution: Pennsylvania State University

Language: English

Topic: Plant responses to elevated CO2

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service