Ozone impacts on vegetation

During the past 50 years, phytotoxic effects of tropospheric ozone on plants have been observed over large areas of the northern hemisphere. The present review highlights some important aspects of the interaction between tropospheric ozone and plants. These include the transfer of ozone from the air to the site of action inside the leaves, primary reactions at the cell membrane, metabolic disturbances, and resulting effects on plant growth. Based on experimental exposure-response relationships, the ozone risk for vegetation can be assessed; in Europe, these assessments suggest widespread impacts of short-term and long-term ozone exposure on plants under well-irrigated conditions.