Effects of ozone and phenanthrene on eggplant and common bean leaves

Abstract

This study investigated the eco-physiological changes in the eggplant and common bean caused by the simultaneous fumigation of ozone (O₃) and Phenanthrene (PHE) for more than 30 days. The eggplant and common bean leaves were individually exposed or in combination with 120 ppbv O₃ and 10 µM PHE inside open top chambers. The treatments negatively affected the net photosynthetic rate at near-saturating irradiance, stomatal conductance, photochemical efficiency of PS II in the dark, and chlorophyll content. The foliar symptom assessments of chlorosis and reddish brown stippling revealed severe damage due to the O₃ and PHE treatments. The photosynthetic rate was considered to be affected by a reduction in the stomatal function and ingredient content of the leaf. Mannitol (a reactive oxygen scavenger) mitigated the effects of the treatments; thus, reactive oxygen species generated through O₃ and PHE may be responsible for the damaged plants.