0000000000005131
AUTHOR
Ursula Schmieden
Photosynthesis and Transpiration in Damaged and Undamaged Spruce Trees
Abstract The investigations presented here focus on the CO2/H2O gas exchange in damaged and undamaged spruce trees while using open-air measurements as well as measurements under defined conditions in the laboratory. The studies were performed at two different sites in the Hunsrück and the Westerwald mountains. In the laboratory the CO2/H2O gas exchange was measured on detached branches under controlled conditions in the course of two years. CO2 saturation curves were also generated. In addition CO2 compensation points were deter mined employing a closed system. In the natural habitat diurnal course measurements of photosynthesis and transpiration as well as light-saturation curves for pho…
The contribution of ozone to forest decline
More than 10 years of intensive research into forest decline in Germany has ascertained that the full extent of the visible damage cannot be explained by just one of the current hypotheses on forest decline. One of the prominent hypotheses is that chronic exposure of forest trees to ozone is probably one of the primary causes of forest decline. The aim of this paper is the critical review of a number of recent results dealing with the ozone hypothesis from a plant physiological point of view. The synopsis focusses on the effects of ozone on conifers because the most extensive data are available for coniferous trees, especially for spruce (Picea sp.) and pine (Pinus sp.) trees.
Changes in Levels of a-Tocopherol and Ascorbate in Spruce Needles at Three Low Mountain Sites Exposed to Mg2+-Deficiency and Ozone
The main objective of this study was the com parison of changes in levels of α-tocopherol and ascorbate in needles of spruce trees with various degrees of damage at three low mountain sites. The ascorbate content in needles of spruce trees with various degrees of dam age differs in the course of seasons as well as in the absolute level. The antioxidant status was affected mainly during summer. The content of ascorbate in needles of dam aged trees was significantly increased compared to that of undamaged trees. Despite seasonal and daily fluctuations, the level of ascorbate seems to be a good indicator for the degree of dam age in the case of symptoms described as montane yellowing. Together…