Ozone sensitivity and ethylenediurea protection in ash trees assessed by JIP chlorophyll a fluorescence transient analysis.

The effect of ethylenediurea (EDU) was tested using the chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence transient analysis, performed with JIP-test, to assess ambient ozone (O3) effects on photosynthesis of adult trees under natural conditions. Twelve adult European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) trees, known to be sensitive or tolerant to O3, determined by presence symptomatic (S) or absence asymptomatic (AS) trees of foliar symptoms in previous years, were treated either with distilled water containing 450 g m−3 EDU or with distilled water. Once a month across the growing season [the accumulated exposure over a threshold of 40 nmol(O3) mol−1 was 32.49 µmol mol−1 h−1], Chl a fluorescence transients were measured in vivo on dark-adapted leaves of 1-year-old labeled shoots, from the lower crown part. Twenty-five parameters were calculated. The maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry (ϕPo or Fv/Fm) did not differentiate between S-and AS-trees, while increased Chl content and de-excitation rates suggested compensation of O3 injury in S-trees. Seasonal reductions in absorbing fluxes and increase in heat and fluorescence dissipation processes was due to leaf ageing and drought, the latter suggesting water deficit influenced Chl a fluorescence stronger than ambient O3 exposure. AS-trees showed elevated probability of connectivity among photosystem 2 units, a mechanism to stimulate energy dissipation and reduce photo-oxidative injury. EDU prevented the inactivation of reaction centers. This slight effect does not warrant EDU as a tool to assess O3 effects on photosynthesis, while the JIP-test is suggested for a quantitative assessment in adult trees