Metabolic and physiological alterations indicate that the tropical broadleaf tree Eugenia uniflora L. is sensitive to ozone

Eugenia uniflora L. is an important fruit tree native to tropical South America that adapts different habitats, thanks its metabolic diversity and ability adjust the leaf antioxidant metabolism. We hypothesized this would also enable E. avoid oxidative damage tolerate enhanced ozone (O3) concentrations have been registered in (sub)tropics. investigated whether carbohydrates, polyphenols antioxidants are altered markers of (ROS accumulation, alterations gas exchange, growth biomass production) detected plants exposed two levels O3 (ambient air twice elevated level a O3-FACE system for 75 days). Phytotoxic dose above threshold 0 nmol m−2 s−1 (POD0) accumulated exposure 40 ppb (AOT40) were 3.6 mmol 14.898 h at ambient, 4.7 43.881 O3. Twenty-seven primary metabolites 16 phenolic compounds leaves. Contrary proposed hypothesis broadleaf trees relatively tolerant, we concluded sensitive concentrations. Experimental POD0 values lower than critical visible foliar O3, because low stomatal conductance. In spite uptake, found classic injury, e.g. reduction carbohydrates fatty acids concentrations; non-significant changes polyphenol profile; inefficient responses; increased contents ROS indicators lipid peroxidation; reductions conductance, net photosynthesis, root/shoot ratio height growth. However, some compensation mechanisms, concentration polyols protecting membranes, number compensating decline photosynthetic rate. These results help filling knowledge gap about responses