Physiology and Isoprene Emissions of Drought-Stressed and Ozone Exposed Plants in a Laboratory Chamber
Abstract
Studying the response of trees in urban areas to environmental stresses, such as drought stress and high ozone exposure, may be an important proxy for the effects of future climate change on tree physiology and trace gas emissions. However, such field experiments lack the element of reproducibility; variables such as ozone concentration, light exposure of the plant, ambient temperature, and available soil moisture cannot be controlled in the field. In this experiment, we use an established laboratory-based Teflon foil chamber to study the effect of a changing environment on the emissions and physiology of several isoprene-emitting tree species. With the laboratory setup, variables such as light levels and gas composition can be manipulated. Measurements of temperature, humidity, and gas concentrations can be constantly recorded with a data logger, and soil moisture can be regulated to simulate drought stress with the use of potted plants. These experiments will allow for the analysis of trace gas exchange and plant physiology while also allowing for the manipulation of variables normally left to nature.
Citation
Harte, Amanda (2015). Physiology and Isoprene Emissions of Drought-Stressed and Ozone Exposed Plants in a Laboratory Chamber. Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /164465.