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.