The response of Pinus species to ozone uptake in different climate regions of Europe

Abstract

Abstract This study is focused on the research of selected Pinus species exposed to high ozone concentrations in the mountain environment. We noticed different values of modelled ozone doses (MOD) up-taken by Mountain pine (Pinus mugo Turra) in the High Tatra Mts (SK–HTMts) and Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra L.) in the Alpes-Mercantour (FR–AlpMar) during the growing season 2019. The MOD values were obtained by multiplicative DO3SE model, while we also tested a new approach based on modification of input ozone data. The MOD values were obtained by multiplicative DO3SE model, while we also tested a new approach based on modification of input ozone data. Testing has shown that ozone input based on passive sampling may be used in MOD modelling for sites situated in the subalpine zone where the operation of active monitors is limited.. Presented results confirmed the assumption regarding stomatal ozone flux reduction due to the occurrence of soil drought in hot and dry summer weather typical for the Mediterranean climate region. Despite the limitation of stomatal flux, foliar ozone specific injury on two years needles of P. cembra was substantially higher in comparison to the incidence of ozone injury symptoms observed on two years needles of P. mugo in SK–HTMts. It may suggest low phytotoxicity of given MOD or efficient resistance of P. mugo against oxidative stress. In addition, the visible injury index (VINX) covering the broad effect of biotic and abiotic harmful agents was appraised on P. mugo. Percentage of affected surface indicated moderate deterioration of needle injury at the end of the growing season, particularly due to traces of mechanical damage.