Ethylene-di-urea (EDU), an effective phytoproctectant against O3 deleterious effects and a Valuable research tool

Ground-surface ozone (O-3) has been increasing over the last decades, and it is now well known that crop and forestry plants suffer from elevated O-3 levels. Ethylene-di-urea (EDU) is considered a chemical that offers protection to the treated plants against O-3. Increasing evidence on the antiozonate efficacy of EDU against the phytotoxic action of O-3 is becoming more readily available. We aimed to review the current literatures on the EDU effects on plants, summarize the findings, note any problems, and formulate conclusions from the existing researches. EDU is a very promising antiozonant with its antiozonate action being observed when applied to roots in the concentrations of 275.7 to 374.3 mg L-1, or on leaves in the concentrations of 365.1 to 519.5 mg L-1. There is an evidence that EDU was more effective in some cultivars compared with others although this remains inexplicable. Additionally; the biochemical mechanism Of its antiozonate activity is not well understood and requires parallel toxicological studies. In summary, EDU must play an important role in O-3 research in the future.