Phytotoxicity and Growth Responses of Ornamental Bedding Plants to Ozone and Sulfur Dioxide1

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Abstract
No appreciable signs of phytotoxicity were observed for 4 days following fumigation of plants (including begonias, petunias, snapdragons) with ozone of up to 80 parts per hundred million (pphm) or sulfur dioxide of up to 400 pphm for 2 hr. Thereafter, there was considerable necrosis, particularly on begonias fumigated with the highest concn of the pollutants. Growth suppression was reflected in reduced shoot and flower wt, and to a lesser degree in reduced flower number. Overall, begonias and petunias were the most sensitive. Coleus and snapdragons were moderately sensitive, while marigold, celosia, impatiens and salvia were tolerant. ‘White Tausendschon’ was the most sensitive begonia cultivar while blue-flowered ‘Capri’ was the most sensitive petunia. Mixed color petunias exhibited varying degrees of tolerance. ‘Scarlet Rainbow’ coleus was more sensitive than ‘Pastel Rainbow’. Measurements of growth alterations in plants were found very useful in determining latent forms of air pollutant injury.

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