Variation of Antioxidant System in Pinus armandii under Elevated O3 in an Entire Growth Season

Impact of elevated O₃ (80 nmol mol^?1) was studied on antioxidant system in the previous‐year needles (P‐needles) of Pinus armandii under the background of global climate change. CAT (catalase) did not play an important role in defensing O₃ pollution, as no significant change was observed in its activity in P‐needles exposed to elevated O₃ during the entire growth season. Ascorbate (AsA) was more sensitive to elevated O₃, as the O₃‐induced decrease in its content was observed at Day 45. It suggests that AsA consumption was a crucial way for protecting against O₃ pollution. After 75 days of O₃ exposure, increase in superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase activities occurred in P‐needles (p < 0.05), whereas glutathione reductase activity was significantly increased after 105 days of O₃ treatment (p < 0.05). Dehydroascorbate reductase and monoascorbate reductase activities also increased after 75 days of elevated O₃ exposure. However, the elevated antioxidant capability did not suppress the generation of reactive oxygen species, and as a result, increase in malondialdehyde content was noted (p < 0.05). Noticeably, no change was observed in electrolyte leakage during the entire growth season under elevated O₃ fumigation. It indicates that O₃‐induced oxidative stress was not severe in the needles of P. armandii. In other words, P. armandii has certain tolerance to O₃ pollution.