As a whole, cool-season turfgrasses can tolerate atmospheric pollution better than warm-season turfgrasses.

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Not much difference
• D. Warm-season tolerate better

Answer: (B)

Pollution tolerance varies by turfgrass type because of differences in physiology and metabolism. Ozone, a major atmospheric pollutant, injures many plants by causing oxidative stress and reducing photosynthesis. Cool-season grasses, which are C3 and often have higher stomatal conductance during their active periods, typically take up more ozone, making them more susceptible to injury. Warm-season grasses, being C4, often cope better under hot conditions because they may have lower stomatal openness, stronger antioxidant defenses, and sometimes thicker leaf cuticles, reducing ozone uptake and damage. Because of these factors, the general pattern is that warm-season turfgrasses tolerate atmospheric pollutants better than cool-season ones. So the statement is not correct. There can be exceptions based on specific species and conditions, but the overall trend favors warm-season tolerance.