Effects of Defoliation on Isoprene Emissions from Oaks

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

9652658 Jones Effects of Defoliation on Isoprene Emissions from Oaks Isoprene emitted by plants is the single most important naturally occurring volatile organic compound in the lower atmosphere, because it is a major control on atmospheric concentrations of carbon monoxide, ozone and methane. Understanding what controls isoprene emissions from plants is critical for improving models of atmospheric chemistry that are used in studying global climate change. This project explores a new, potentially major control over isoprene emissions from plants. Preliminary studies showed that partial defoliation of oaks resulted in an unexpected increase in isoprene emissions from remaining leaves. Oaks are the major isoprene-emitters in the eastern U.S., and are periodically subjected to massive, wide-scale defoliation by an introduced forest insect pest, the Gypsy Moth. This project will study the effects of defoliation on isoprene emissions from oaks, using the information to improve existing models that predict isoprene emissions from plants.