Sun-stroked Cacti: Ozone lack suspected in saguaro kill
Erickson J. 1991. Sun-stroked Cacti: Ozone lack suspected in saguaro kill. Arizona Daily Star. Tucson, Arizona. 03 Feb 1991. 18-19
A New York researcher hypothesized that a loss of the ozone layer associated with increased levels of harmful ultraviolet radiation was causing deaths of saguaro cactus. The mechanism of damage was thought to be via ultraviolet radiation triggering a buildup of the saguaro's waxy outer cuticle layer sealing off the exterior of' the plant, blocking, respiration thus suffocating the cactus. The result of this "rot" was deemed to be "epidural browning" on the surface of the saguaro. Results of this study were presented at a conference in Tucson of over 30 research reports. The ozone depletion/ UV radiation theory however was considered to have some problems, and further study is required. Saguaro populations increase and diminish due to many factors. Article also describes legislation introduced by the Arizona congressional delegation (Rep. Jim Kolbe, Rep. Morris Udall, Sen. John McCain) to add 3,5600 acres to Saguaro National Park's Rincon Mountain Unit. in part, because studies have shown that the giant Rincon saguaros are disappearing. Raymond Turner, a botanist with a breadth of knowledge of the Saguaros describes history and causes for these declines.
- Type
- Newspaper Article
- Authors
- Erickson, Jim
- Date of Issue
- 1991-02-03
- Publisher
- John M Humenik
- Units
- SAGU
- Keywords
- epidural browning, legislation to increase National Monument acreage, ozone, Raymond Turner, Rincon Mountain Unit, Saguaro, saguaro declines, Saguaro National Monument, ultraviolet radiation