Photosynthetic Inhibition in Leaves of Ailanthus altissima under O₃ Fumigation

Photosynthetic Inhibition in Leaves of Ailanthus altissima under O₃ Fumigation

We investigated the enect of $O_3$ on the photosynthetic characteristics of tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) that is naturalized plant and used as restoration plant for contaminated area. Two-year-old seedlings were planted to pots and transferred into closed $O_3$ chamber. Photosynthetic pigments contents and photosynthetic characteristics were measured every three weeks under 100 pub $O_3$ fumigation. There was no visible foliar injury by $O_3$ exposure and contents of photosynthetic pigments did not show significant differences between control and $O_3$-treated seedlings. Also there were no significant differences in stomatal conductance, and water use efficiency. But photosynthetic rate and apparent quantum yield (AQY) of $O_3$ treated seedlings were reduced after nine weeks of ozone fumigation. In addition, the reduction of carboxylation efficiency and photorespiration were observed in the leave of $O_3$ treated seedlings after six weeks. In accordance with our result, carbon fixation system of A. altissima was most sensitive to $O_3$ stress to evaluate physiological damage induced by $O_3$.