Diurnal fluctuations of secondary photooxidants in air and of detoxification systems in the foliage of Mediterranean forest trees

Gas-phase peroxide mixing ratios were measured in the canopy area of a Mediterranean oak/pine forest. Concurrently the activities of cell wall localized peroxidases, which protect leaves from external oxidants, were investigated. The diurnal cycles of peroxidase activity showed a strong decrease when the gas-phase concentration of highly phytotoxic hydroxy hydroperoxides increased. These results suggest that ambient gas-phase mixing ratios of organic peroxides may injure the plantsʹ oxidative defence system.