Leaf age affects the responses of foliar injury and gas exchange to tropospheric ozone in Prunus serotina seedlings

We investigated the effect of leaf age on the response of net photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (gwv), foliar injury, and leaf nitrogen concentration (NL) to tropospheric ozone (O3) on Prunus serotina seedlings grown in open-plots (AA) and open-top chambers, supplied with either carbon-filtered or non-filtered air. We found significant variation in A, gwv, foliar injury, and NL (P < 0.05) among O3 treatments. Seedlings in AA showed the highest A and gwv due to relatively low vapor pressure deficit (VPD). Older leaves showed significantly lower A, gwv, NL, and higher foliar injury (P < 0.001) than younger leaves. Leaf age affected the response of A, gwv, and foliar injury to O3. Both VPD and NL had a strong influence on leaf gas exchange. Foliar O3-induced injury appeared when cumulative O3 uptake reached 8–12 mmol m−2, depending on soil water availability. The mechanistic assessment of O3-induced injury is a valuable approach for a biologically relevant O3 risk assessment for forest trees.