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Effects of Sulfur Dioxide on Nitrogen Fixation, Carbon Partitioning, and Yield Components in Snapbean
Author(s) -
Griffith S. M.,
Campbell W. F.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq1987.00472425001600010016x
Subject(s) - phaseolus , fumigation , chemistry , carbon dioxide , nitrogen , dry weight , nitrogen fixation , anthesis , horticulture , sulfur , photosynthesis , nutrient , agronomy , botany , zoology , biology , cultivar , biochemistry , organic chemistry
The air pollutant SO 2 is known to affect plant biochemistry and physiology, although very little is known about its effects on N 2 ‐fixation in legumes. This study sought to determine if N 2 ‐fixation, C partitioning, and plant productivity of snapbean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were affected under short‐term, low‐level SO 2 exposures. Plants were exposed, 29 d after planting (7 d before anthesis), to 0, 18, and 36 µmol SO 2 m −3 for 4 h d −1 for 5 d in a fumigation chamber. On the last day of SO 2 treatment, plants were also exposed to 14 CO 2 to determine changes in C partitioning patterns. At these concentrations, there was no visible damage to plant tissue and no significant changes in dry weight or yield components. Only the 36 µmol SO 2 m −3 treatment reduced C 2 H 2 reduction rates, but recovery to near control rates occurred within 24 h after SO 2 removal. Leaves of plants treated with 18 µmol SO 2 m −3 exported more of their total assimilated 14 C than control plants, while those treated with 36 µmol SO 2 m −3 retained greater amounts. Retention of 14 C at the 36 µmol SO 2 m −3 level may account for the inhibition of C 2 H 2 ‐reduction because of less photosynthate arriving at the root nodules. These data suggest that SO 2 levels that do not cause visible injury may interfere with C metabolism and transport in snapbean.