Growth Changes of Apple Seedlings in Response to Simulated Acid Rain

摘要

In a greenhouse experiment, Malus hupehensis seedlings were treated weekly with simulated acid rain solutions ranging from pH 2.25 to pH 7.0. Necrotic lesions developed on leaves at pH 2.25 and pH 2.50 immediately after the first application at the 8-node stage. Following the 9th weekly application on seedlings with 23 to 26 nodes, lesions developed at pH levels up to 3.25. At final destructive harvest, 20% of the leaf area at pH 2.25 and 8% of the leaf area at pH 2.50 was injures. Significant growth reduction occured at these 2 pH levels. Regression analysis indicated extensive growth inhibition at pH 3.0, no growth inhibition around pH 3.5, some inhibition between pH 4.5 and pH 5.6, and normal growth at pH 7.0 in comparison to the unsprayed control. Growth was negatively correlated with lesion formation at 3 destructive harvest dates.