Photosynthesis and respiration of feather mosses fumigated at different hydration levels with SO2.

Fumigation with SO2 of Pleurozium schreberi, Hylocomium splendens and Ptilium crista-castrensis results in an immediate decline in their rate of photosynthesis but has no effect upon respiration. The species have similar degrees of SO2 avoidance (uptake) but dissimilar degrees of SO2 tolerance. The immediate effects of SO2 upon photosynthesis of water- limited and of fully hydrated feather mosses are similar, but after a 24-h recovery period in an SO2-free environment photosynthesis remains impaired only in those mosses fumigated in the fully hydrated state. -from Authors

Duke Scholars

Author William E. Winner DKU Faculty