The impact of elevated ozone on the ornamental features of two flowering plants (Tagetes erecta Linn. and Petunia hybrida Vilm.)
by Ning Yang; Xiaoke Wang; Feixiang Zheng; Yuanyuan Chen
International Journal of Environment and Pollution (IJEP), Vol. 61, No. 1, 2017

Abstract: There has been little investigation into the effects of ozone (O₃) on flowering plants around settlements, even though such plants are known to be threatened by elevated O₃. In this study, we used open-top chambers to assess the ornamental value of marigolds (Tagetes erecta Linn.) and four petunia (Petunia hybrid Vilm.) varieties in terms of their growth and physiological responses to elevated O₃. The aboveground biomass decreased by 7.4% in marigolds and by 19.4-23.6% in four varieties of petunia in response to elevated O₃. The underground biomass decreased by 22.0% in marigolds and by 30.8-53.8% in four petunia varieties treated with elevated O₃. Flower biomass and diameter were markedly reduced by elevated O₃ in petunias, but not in marigolds. O₃ also accelerated leaf yellowing in different plant species and varieties, owing to a higher degree of degradation of chlorophyll than carotenoids, as well as an increase in flavonoid contents. Thus, O₃ stress responses should be considered when choosing flowering plants for their ornamental value.

Online publication date: Tue, 07-Mar-2017

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