Stress physiology of Moringa oleifera under tropospheric ozone enrichment: An ecotype-specific investigation into growth, nonstructural carbohydrates, and polyphenols

Ozone (O₃) is an oxidative pollutant that significantly threatens plant development and ecological dynamics. The present study explores the impact of O₃ on Moringa (Moringa oleifera) ecotypes when exposed to ambient and elevated O₃ levels. Elevated O₃ concentrations resulted in significant reductions in total biomass for all ecotypes. Photosynthetic parameters, including stomatal conductance (g_sto), CO₂ assimilation (P_n), and carboxylation efficiency (K), decreased under elevated O₃ in some ecotypes, indicating a detrimental effect on carbon assimilation. Nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) levels in roots varied among ecotypes, with significant reductions in starch content observed under elevated O₃, suggesting a potential shift towards soluble sugar accumulation and reallocation for antioxidant defense. Secondary metabolite analysis revealed increased polyphenol production, particularly quercetin derivatives, under elevated O₃ in specific ecotypes, highlighting their role in mitigating oxidative stress. Interestingly, the glucosinolate content also varied, with some ecotypes exhibiting increased levels, suggesting a complex regulatory mechanism in response to O₃ exposure. The study underscores the intrinsic variability among Moringa ecotypes in response to O₃ stress, emphasizing the importance of genetic diversity for adaptation. The findings indicate that Moringa's metabolic plasticity, including shifts in NSC and SM production, plays a crucial role in its defense mechanisms against O₃-induced oxidative stress. These insights are vital for optimizing the cultivation and utilization of Moringa in diverse environmental conditions, particularly in regions with elevated O₃ levels.