The Presence of Azulene on the Surface of Plant Cells as a Test for Ozone Sensitivity

Abstract—

The reactions to ozone of the surface cells of leaves and needles of five introduced wood species of Sochi National Park in chronic 3-day exposure in total doses of up to 0.05 μL/L have been studied. In secretory structures of silvery or ashen leaves of Eucalyptus cinerea F. Muell. Ex. Benth, we observed noticeable changes in absorbance (fading) and autofluorescence in cells. Blue and silvery needles of Picea pungens Engelm species. cv. Sv, Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Manetti ex Carrière cv. Argentea, Pinus parviflora Siebold &Zucc. Glauca and leaves of Acacia dealbata Link. were not sensitive to ozone in the above-mentioned reactions. It was shown that the surface layers of the cuticle and cell wall of these plants included azulenes. These pigments are supposed to be primary targets for ozone, and their antioxidant properties determine low sensitivity to ozone.