Review of indexes for evaluating plant response to elevated near-surface ozone concentration

Elevated near-surface ozone is one of the most important air pollutants with a range of negative impact on plants, including plant morphology, photosynthesis, growth, material production and distribution, antioxidant property, biomass and yield component, etc. arising a considerable scientific and public concern. At present, ambient ozone concentration is increasing at the rate of 0.3%～2% per year due to increased human activity and rapid industrial development. Accurate assessment of elevated tropospheric ozone impact on plants is an absolute necessity. This paper reviews the evaluation methods (including relationships based on concentration, dosage and flux) of the effect of elevated tropospheric ozone concentration on plants. The merits and demerits of the evaluation methods are also compared and summarized. This review may lay scientific basis for establishing ozone concentration evaluation index system that is adaptable to China's geographic and agricultural characteristics.