In: Phyton, 49 Fasc. 2 (2010), S. 253-266 with 2 figures

Key words: Ozone, potato, growth stages, yield.

Summary

Mina U., Kumar P. & Varshney C. K. 2010. Effect of ozone stress on different growth stages of potato (Solanum tuberosum). – Phyton (Horn, Austria) 49 (2): 253–266, with 2 figures.

In the present study responses of different growth stages of potato to ozone exposure were investigated. Potato plants of vegetative (30 day old plants (DOPs)), reproductive (45 DOPs) and post reproductive (60 DOPs) growth stage were exposed to 75ppb and 150ppb ozone concentration for 12 days, 2 hr per day in Controlled Environment Dynamic Chambers. Ozone exposure induced appearance of leaf injury symptoms as well as reduced growth and yield of potato plants of all the three growth stages. Between plants of three growth stages ozone injury on leaves (from 75 ppb and 150 ppb ozone exposer) was maximum in 45 DOPs, followed by 60 DOPs and 30 DOPs. Among plants of all the three growth stages maximum reduction in growth and yield parameters was observed in plants exposed at reproductive (45 DOPs) growth stage. Reduction in growth parameters i.e., shoot length, total leaves, total leaflets and shoot biomass of exposed plants over unexposed plants of different growth stages were statistically non significant. Reduction in average number of tubers/plant 45 DOPs exposed to 75 ppb and 150 ppb ozone were reduced 54% and 69% respectively as compared to unexposed plants. Fresh weight of tubers/plant in 45 DOPs exposed to 75 ppb and 150 ppb was reduced by 48% and 68% respectively as compared to unexposed plants.