Abstract
Nitrogen oxide (NOx) is naturally present in the atmosphere as part of the Earth’s nitrogen cycle and has a variety of natural sources. NOx gases are formed whenever combustion occurs in the presence of nitrogen—as in an air-breathing engine; they also are produced naturally by lightning. However, also human activities such as agriculture, fossil fuel combustion, wastewater management, and industrial processes are increasing the amount of NOx in the atmosphere resulting in significant air pollution. But nitrogen is also an essential nutrient required for plant growth and development. Nitrogen can be taken up by plants through ammonium and nitrate or as nitrogen gas through plant-associated microorganisms in root nodules. Interestingly, a plant growth-promoting effect is also described for NO and NO2. In this chapter we want to highlight the positive effect of NO and NO2 on plant growth and development and on postharvest effects on fruits and flowers. Moreover, the NO-scavenging function of phytoglobins is discussed in this context.
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Lindermayr, C., Hebelstrup, K.H. (2016). Growth-Promoting Effect of NO Fumigation and Hemoglobins. In: Lamattina, L., García-Mata, C. (eds) Gasotransmitters in Plants. Signaling and Communication in Plants. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40713-5_7
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