This paper proposes an overall reassessment of results from fluorescence transient (FT) and modulated fluorescence (MF) analysis on tree species subjected to treatment with ozone. Findings from literature and open-top chamber experiments were used in this review, in order to identify damage mechanisms and repair/avoidance strategies. Main results are summarised below.(i)The most widely used parameter to assess the response to ozone treatment was the quantum yield of primary photochemistry in the dark-adapted state (ΦPo, or FV/FM). This parameter proved to be very stable in stress and control conditions. Ozone-induced stress - and the related loss of photosynthetic efficiency and performance - was characterized by the change occurring in all parameters connected with the controlled dissipation: reduction of FM, FV/FM, RC/CS0 (in the fluorescence transient analysis) and NPQ (in the MF analysis). This can be considered as a down-regulation mechanism aimed at lowering the electron supply as a consequence of a reduced demand from the Calvin cycle.(ii)The FT analysis revealed a change in the I-P region shape, indicating that events beyond PSI are affected. These events include a lesser density of PSI itself and the compromised ability of the end acceptors of electrons (ferredoxine, NADP+) and RuBP to manage effectively the flux of electrons. This behaviour may create an imbalance between electrons sent by the electron transport chain and those reaching the acceptors beyond PSI. Free electrons (those coming from PSI, but that do not reach the end acceptors) can activate the oxygen from fundamental to excited status, with production of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species), thus inducing photo-oxidation processes of the cellular content.(iii)In many cases a temporarily enhanced efficiency of electron trapping and transport (expressed by the parameters FV/FM, ET/TR, PIABS, pQ) in PSII system has been observed. That efficiency has been connected to the triggering of repair processes, but when it is connected to a reduced end acceptor capacity in combination with reduced Calvin cycle energy demand lead to over-excitation of the photosynthetic apparatus and initiates response towards visible foliar injury.(iv)The behaviour of F0 can help us distinguish between different response strategies. The increase of F0 observed in some ozone-treated plant species is considered an expression of irreversible damage in PSII, whereas lowered values of this parameter may indicate the activation of PSII in the cells surrounding the damaged one, as part of a compensative process. Future directions for the research in this field concern: (i) the possibility to combine fluorescence parameters with carbon assimilation and growth to support the study on critical levels and (ii) the analysis of the events concerning the activity of PSI and the events leading to the fixation of CO2, by using innovative technologies. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.

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