This accounts for approximately 90 percent of all crop damage due to air pollution. Most of the observable ozone damage to plants occurs on their leaves, where they produce their food through photosynthesis. If enough leaves are injured by ozone, a plant begins to starve. Just like hungry humans, underfed plants grow more slowly, are more susceptible to disease and pests, and reproduce less often than healthy plants. Not all plants are equally harmed by ozone.
Grains are less affected than tobacco, spinach, tomatoes, and beans.
This trees without leaves, like pine trees, are harmed. And while reducing air pollution leads to healthier crops, it also has some significant aesthetic benefits. There's nothing like blue skies and green fields to inspire an appreciation for life. 1999 Harvey Mudd College . FutureWatch endeavors to bring the excitement and relevance of the newest discoveries and uses of science and engineering products and technologies to a wide audience.