Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds Emission of Brazilian Atlantic Tree Grown Under Elevated Ozone in Ambient Controlled and Field Conditions

Croton floribundus (L.) Spreng trees were exposed to accumulated ozone (O₃) levels under laboratory and field conditions and monitored the foliar visible symptoms and BVOC emissions. Plants exposed to O₃ in the laboratory presented more substantial damage and significant increase in the BVOC emissions than plants in the field. Caryophyllene and 3-hexen-1-ol emissions were significantly increased in plants exposed to O₃ in the laboratory. Under field conditions, methyl salicylate (MeSA) was the majority compound emitted. A positive correlation among the meteorological conditions, O₃ and MeSA emission was observed in the field conditions, which may represent a mechanism of tolerance by C. floribundus to deal with long-term exposure to O₃.