Ozone in High Concentrations as Cause of Tobacco Leaf Injury

Abstract

Evidence obtained by means of rubber strip tests and an ozone recorder indicates the presence of abnormal concentrations of ozone in the atmosphere at times. Excellent correlation was obtained between appearance of "weather fleck" in tobacco and high values for ozone. The great similarity between lesions occurring naturally and those produced by ozone in chambers also indicates that ozone is the probable inciting agent of weather fleck. Varietal differences exist. Study of stomatal action helped to explain variation in leaf injury.

The physiological, transcriptional and genetic responses of an ozone- sensitive and an ozone tolerant poplar and selected extremes of their F 2 progeny

“…Ozone greatly increased the occurrence of visible damage, manifested as small flecks or larger necrotic spots, as observed in a range of species (Berrang et al, 1991;Heggestad and Middleton, 1959;Kargiolaki et al, 1991;Piikki et al, 2004). There was considerable variation in the extent of this damage, with some genotypes showing very little damage.…”

Protection of Plants Against Airborne Oxidants: Cucumber Seedlings at Extreme Ozone Levels

“…In view of the growing interest in oxidizing air pollutants, and their recognition as a biological hazard (2,3,8,9,20), it seemed appropriate to examine several oxidation inhibitors for protective activity against suitable oxidizing atmospheres.…”

Economic measurement of environment damages

“…Injury to agricultural crops by 0 3 was initially reported on grapes in 1958 and on cigar wrapper tobacco in 1959 (Heggestad and Middleton 1959). Similar symptoms were observed on Maryland tobacco as early as 1952 (Burk and Heggestad 1956;Menser, Hodges, and McKee 1973).…”

“…The disease was called weather fleck and appeared following several days of smog. The most abundant photochemical oxidant component, ozone, was found to be the major cause of flecking symptoms on tobacco (Heggestad and Middleton 1959).…”