Elevated <scp>ozone</scp> concentration reduces grain protein accumulation in wheat by decreasing nitrogen accumulation and nitrogen metabolism enzyme activities

This study demonstrates that elevated O₃ disrupts wheat nitrogen accumulation and protein synthesis by reducing pre-anthesis nitrogen accumulation, accelerating post-anthesis senescence, and suppressing nitrogen translocation due to rapid leaf area index (LAI) decline. The decline in nitrogen accumulation and nitrogen metabolizing enzyme activity is a critical factor contributing to reduced grain protein accumulation. Notably, YN19 exhibited the highest O₃ sensitivity, underscoring the need to develop O₃-resilient wheat cultivars to sustain grain quality under rising O₃ levels. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.