The effects of realistic ozone exposure on the biology and productivity of peach trees and durum wheat grown in open-top chambers in Central Italy

The effect of ozone on peach and durum wheat biology and productivity have been examinated in plants grown in field and exposed to ozone within a range of realistic partial pressures. Exposure variants were obtained by enclosing the plants in open-top field chambers. For both species, negative correlations were found between increasing ozone levels and leaf net photosynthesis. Ozone did not affect fruit yield but tended to accelerate frui ripening. Carry-over effects were noted on certain aspects of the vegetative and reproductive development of the peach tree during the season following the ozone fumigation experiment.