The response of rice grain quality to ozone exposure during growth depends on ozone level and genotype

► Exposure of rice plants to elevated ozone during growth led to altered grain quality. ► Protein and lipid concentration increased whereas starch concentration and thousand kernel weight decreased. ► Rice grain, protein and iron yield tended to decrease in plants exposed to high ozone. ► These effects were responsive to different ozone levels and showed genotypic differences. ► The overall effect of ozone o human nutrition is expected to be negative.