Physiological and Biochemical Properties of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Response to Ozone-Induced Oxidative Stress

Abstract

We investigated the changes in the physiological and biochemical properties of potato plants exposed to differing ozone (O3) concentrations (5 ppm, 10 ppm) and exposure times (2, 4, 8, 12, 16 min) to determine the safe dose that could be used in crop protection programs. We measured the gas exchange, relative chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence and total antioxidant capacity in potato leaves exposed to O3 fumigation. The fresh weight (FW) of the aboveground part of the plants and a visual assessment of plant condition were determined after the end of the experiment. The plants were given two O3 treatments and measurements were carried out four times: on the 1st and 7th day after treatment. We conclude that O3 exposure time had a greater impact on the reduction in the efficiency of the potato photosynthetic apparatus than O3 concentration. Research has showed that O3 in 5 ppm concentration for 2 and 4 min and 10 ppm for 2 min increased the efficiency of the photosynthesis and antioxidant activity in leaf processes, and these doses could be taken into account in further research on the potential for using O3 in potato protection.