Abstract:

This study was designed to reveal the effects of simulated acid rain on growth, physiology and quality of crop(pakchoi), in Northeast of China. Pakchoi growing in the greenhouse was exposed to simulated acid rain and to a control group. The results showed that the injury of pakchoi was highly correlated to pH of acid rain. Biomass and plant height decreased significantly after the exposure to simulated acid rain indicating that simulated acid rain may limit the growth of pakchoi. Compared with root, eat-part was more sensitive to acid rain. The contents of total free amino acids, soluble sugar, soluble protein and vitamin C were decreased under the treatment of simulated acid rain. As increasing acidity of simulated acid rain, the concentrations of quality decreased obviously. Under the treatment of weak acid, the synthesis of nutrients of pakchoi was promoted. The synthesis of chlorophyll and carotenoid were inhibited, and the photosynthesis affected by acid rain，which ultimately lead to lower production, quality degradation.

Key words: simulated acid rain, growth, physiology, quality