In this paper, attention is called to the significance of abiological production of partially oxidized volatile organic carbons (POVOCs) from the decay of dead plant material. Measured relative emission of acetone and methanol can be at least 10-4 and 3--5¿10-4gg-1 of decaying dry plant matter, respectively. If these results may be extrapolated, global annual emissions of 6--8 Tg of acetone and 18--40 Tg of methanol would result, adding strongly to the estimated total emissions of these compounds to the atmosphere. Because acetone and methanol, through OH and HO2 formation, play significant roles in the chemistry of the atmosphere, further research is strongly needed to quantify the emissions of acetone, methanol, and other POVOCs. ¿ 1999 American Geophysical Union