Joint action of ozone and hydrogen fluoride on foliar senescence in maize

Maize (Zea mays, L.) plants were exposed intermittently to O(3), HF or both pollutants and the progression of foliar senescence was followed by measuring chlorophyll loss, membrane breakdown and changes in stomatal conductance. At concentrations insufficient to cause foliar symptoms (0.06 microl O(3) litre(-1) and 1.0 microg Fm(-3)), exposures to HF had little or no effect, whereas O(3) exposures accelerated the rate of senescence. The rapid rate of senescence produced by O(3) was moderated if the plants were also exposed to HF. Topical application of 6-benzyladenine (BA) prior to pollutant exposures delayed senescence in all plants and completely prevented the O(3)-induced acceleration of senescence.