Increases in δ13 values of radish and soybean plants caused by ozone

This greenhouse study was undertaken to determine whether changes in photosynthesis and conductance caused by air pollution also affected the δ¹³C value of plant tissue. Experiments with radish (Raphanus sativus L. cv. Cherrybelle) and soybean (Glycine max L. Merr. cv. Williams) exposed to ozone (O3) at 0.12 μl 1⁻¹ showed significant growth reductions, 14–20 μl l⁻¹ reductions in CO² internal (C1), and + 0.3 to + 0.7% shifts in the δ¹³C values of leaves and roots. These results indicate that ambient (O3) may influence the δ¹³C values of plants found in many agricultural and industrial regions, and that O³ may act simultaneously to suppress growth and increase water use efficiency (WUE). Stable carbon isotope techniques may be useful for integrating the metabolic effects of O³ over long exposures to air pollution. Copyright © 1988, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved

Duke Scholars

Author William E. Winner DKU Faculty