Effects of ethylene diurea as a protective antiozonant on beans (Phaseolus vulgaris CV LIT) exposed to different tropospheric ozone doses in Catalonia (NE Spain)

A study to evaluate the effects of ethylene diurea (EDU) as a protective antiozonant for beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) submitted to different ambient ozone concentrations was performed in three stations of the rural Network for Air Quality Monitoring (Catalonia, NE Spain). The highest ozone concentrations were accompanied by significant reductions in fruit yield, number of fruits and shoot biomass. These reductions were lower in plants treated with EDU. The results showed toxic ozone effects on sensitive species such as beans and a protective antiozonant effect of EDU. The intensity of the EDU protective effect differed among the different stations characterised by different meteorological conditions and O3 concentrations.