Ecology of SO₂ resistance: II. Photosynthetic changes of shrubs in relation to SO₂ absorption and stomatal behavior.

In an effort to predict SO₂ sensitivity of plants from their morphological and physiological features, the effects of SO₂ on photosynthesis were partitioned between stomatal and nonstomatal components for a drought deciduous shrub, Diplacus aurantiacus, and an evergreen shrub, Heteromeles arbutifolia. As predicted, the drought deciduous shrub had the higher gas conductance, and hence SO₂ absorptance. However, nonstomatal components also play a role in determining SO₂ sensitivity. Apparently a plant with a high intrinsic photosynthetic capacity will be more sensitive to SO₂ than one with a lower capacity.

Duke Scholars

Author William E. Winner DKU Faculty