Aseasonal leaf abscission in Populus induced by volcanic ash

Premature leaf abscission in Populus was observed in central Washington (USA) about two weeks after the 18 May 1980 ashfall from Mount St. Helens. Leaf abscission was probably a wounding response caused by sandsized ash carried in winds that gusted to 15 m s^-1 7 days after the ashfall. Under glasshouse conditions simulating this environmental regime the leaf epidermis and often part of the mesophyll in Populus nigra L. var. italica Duroi. were abraded, resulting in permanent loss of leaf turgor and decreased stomatal conductance. Substantial abscission of still-green leaves ensued. Leaf abrasion by ash-laden winds, although rare, may result in conspicuous plant damage.