Treesearch
Perspectives regarding 50 years of research on effects of tropospheric ozone air pollution on US forests
| Authors: | David F. Karnosky, John M. Skelly, Kevin E. Percy, Art H. Chappelka |
| Year: | 2007 |
| Type: | Scientific Journal |
| Station: | Northern Research Station |
| Source: | Environmental Pollution. 147: 489-506. |
Download (PDF 3.43 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/34740.pdf
Abstract
Tropospheric ozone (O3) was first determined to be phytotoxic to grapes in southern California in the 1950s. Investigations followed that showed O3 to be the cause of foliar symptoms on tobacco and eastern white pine. In the 1960s, "X" disease of ponderosa pines within the San Bernardino Mountains was likewise determined to be due to O3. Nearly 50 years of research have followed. Foliar O3 symptoms have been verified under controlled chamber conditions. Studies have demonstrated negative growth effects on forest tree seedlings due to season long O3 exposures, but due to complex interactions within forest stands, evidence of similar losses within mature tree canopies remains elusive.