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Grasses more sensitive to SO2 pollution in conditions of low irradiance and short days

Abstract

Research into the effects of low levels of SO2 on grasses has revealed no direct correlation between the dose of this pollutant and the plant's response1. Authors have suggested that environmental factors are of prime importance in the control of the response, because in many cases damage was most severe during the winter2,3. I have investigated the influence of total irradiance on the sensitivity of grasses to SO2, and shown that the effect of the pollutant was greatest in conditions of low irradiance and short photoperiod. Together, these factors may contribute to the increased sensitivity of plants during winter exposures to pollutants.

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Davies, T. Grasses more sensitive to SO2 pollution in conditions of low irradiance and short days. Nature 284, 483–485 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/284483a0

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