Gases in Plant and Microbial Cells (Modern Methods of Plant Analysis, New Series, Vol. 9)

This is the first authoritative compilation of methods for the analysis of a comprehensive range of gases interacting with plant cells. Particularly treated are gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitrogen dioxide, water vapor, methane, ethylene, and other gases of fruits and vegetables. This interaction is of utmost importance because gases of the atmosphere and plant life are closely linked. Carbon dioxid - consumed by photosynthesis - is a very important component of the atmosphere in terms of climate. Plants also heavily influence the atmosphere, e.g., nitrogen fixation by symbiotic bacteria is responsible for 90% of the nitrogen turn over in the biosphere. Further, ozone is also known to cause reductions in crop yield and it seems that formation of ethylene in plants due to stress determines plant sensitivity to ozone. In addition, the known existence of gaseous growth hormones has changed man's understanding of fruit ripening. A consideration of ethylene analysis and ethylene effects therefore occupies an important place in this volume.