Plants emit a wide range of hydrocarbons into the atmosphere. For the United States, estimates range from 2/3 to over 80%¹ of the hydrocarbons entering the atmosphere are derived from plants. In Germany during hot summer days also 2/3 of hydrocarbons emitted are of plant origin. The most abundant hydrocarbons are isoprene and monoterpenes. Isoprene reacts very rapidly with OH and ozone and in the presence of NOx can lead to ozone formation. Ozone is one of the biggest air pollution problems in the Eastern US, Germany and other countries which has been hard to reduce. The monoterpenes such as pinenes and limonene easily form particles that give rise to a natural haze. The degradation of natural vistas by air pollution and ist possible health impact is a significant air pollution concern. Other compounds are emitted from plants such as acetaldehyde; acetone, methanol, methyl butanol, and a family of hexenols. To study this phenomenon, we organized this international conference to bring together plant scientists, ecophysiologists, atmospheric chemists etc. to discuss plant emissions of hydrocarbons and its impact on the environment.

¹Approximately 80% of our air pollution stems from hydrocarbons released by vegetation, so let's not go overboard in setting and enforcing tough emission standards from man-made sources." Ronald Reagan quoted in Sierra vol 65 (Sept/Oct) page 17 (1980)