Physiological effects of ozone exposure on De Colgar and Rechaiga II tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivars.

The sensitivity of two tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivars, Rechaiga II and De Colgar, to 50, 80, and 100 ppb ozone (O3) exposures was assessed in fumigation chamber, during 4 h per day over a period of 7 days. The Rechaiga II variety was shown to be sensitive to the dose of 50 ppb, showing chlorotic spots on the adaxial leaf surface and alterations of some physiological parameters. During 1-week fumigation, ozone caused a decrease in stomatal conductance, chlorophylls a and b, total chlorophylls, and carotenoids, although soluble sugars and membrane integrity were significantly increased in fumigated plants compared to controls. This trend was similar for the three pollutant doses used in fumigation. The De Colgar tomato remained asymptomatic.