• The Plant Pathology Journal
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.210-216
• /
• 1999

TREGRO, a computer simulation model of individual tree growth, was applied to estimate ozone ($\textrm{O}_3$) effects on aspen(Populus tremuloides) growth under ambient and 1.7 times ambient $\textrm{O}_3$ of Seoul in 1996. The three highest $\textrm{O}_3$ (Kuui-dong, Ssangmun-dong, Sungsoo-dong) and the two lowest $\textrm{O}_3$ sites (Mapo-dong, Namgajwa-dong) were evaluated. The current ambient $\textrm{O}_3$ did not affect aspen growth compared to simulation without $\textrm{O}_3$. The only effect was 6.6 percent of total assimilated carbonloss at Ssangmun-dong where the level of $\textrm{O}_3$ was greatest among the 21 sites examined. Decrease as much as 50 percent of total carbon gain was calculated at 1.7 times ambient $\textrm{O}_3$ of the three highest sites. The carbon loss by $\textrm{O}_3$ came from biomass of tissues and total nonstructural cabron (TNC) such as starch and sugar. The most sensitive fraction was TNC and the next was root biomass. Foliage mass was not affected by $\textrm{O}_3$. Structural biomass loss was at best 1 to 3 percent at 1.7 times ambient $\textrm{O}_3$ at the two lowest sites. The daily carbon simulation was affected by $\textrm{O}_3$ mainly during Growth Period 4 (Jul. 21-Oct. 26). Correlations between site, dose, and the simulated responses of aspen (tissue biomass, TNC, respiration, and senescence) ranged from -0.703 to -0.973 depending on the plant responses. The ozone effects on poplar in Seoul are not severe currently, but are probably measurable at Ssangmun-dong. However, severe $\textrm{O}_3$ effects on biomass would occur if $\textrm{O}_3$ levels increase to 1.7 times ambient $\textrm{O}_3$ in Seoul. In addition, v could weaken the trees thus increasing susceptibility to pathogens or insects.