Urban phytocenoses preserving under the warming climate becomes especially urgent problem in the arid areas, including the steppe zone of Ukraine. Expected elimination of the susceptible woody plants defines necessity of species composition enrichment by introduction. In order to estimate Tilia platyphyllos adaptive capacity, leaves growth and metabolic features were determined for both shaded and lighted trees grew at the plots polluted with transport exhausts in Dnipro city. Reducing leaf surface area by 29 -60% compared to conventional control (the Botanical Garden) was associated with level of pollution and lighting as well. Leaf weight (per cm2) exceeded the control (4 -25%) at the most contaminated plots, but diminished with increasing distance from the pollution source. Compared to control, stomata density increased in all leaves, especially at the most polluted and shaded plots (50% above control).Total chlorophyll content was below the control value (maximum 16%) at almost all polluted plots, while Chl a/Chl b ratio exceeded the control. Redox state of glutathione reached the maximum in leaves at the Botanical Garden, decreasing notably at contaminated plots, whereas the total accumulation of glutathione was enhanced.Activity of glutathione-S-transferase was the highest in the most lighted leaf even on contaminated plot, while was inhibited (11-32% below control) by pollutants in shaded leaves. Results showed variability of morphometric characteristics and metabolic properties of large-leaved linden, depending on local environmental conditions. Phenotypic plasticity of urban T. platyphyllos trees is quite capable play a key role in adaptation to climate change allowing survival of the species.
SUMMARYThe effect of altitude-associated environmental gradient on leaves metabolic features of Quercus robur L. (an oak) and Fraxinus excelsior L. (an ash) was investigated in the natural coastal forest at Bellegarde' International Biosphere Reserve in Steppe zone, Ukraine. Decrease in relative humidity contrary to increase in temperature and lighting under the forest canopy were observed on the river steep bank with altitudinal elevation from lower (52 m a.s.l.) to middle (74 m.), and upper (96 m). Responses of tree leaves photosynthetic and antioxidant systems to the environmental local changes were studied by measuring chlorophyll (Chl) content, as well as catalase and peroxidase activities. Decrease in Chl amount in the ash leaves at middle and upper altitudes (17 and 38% compared with lower), along with increase (8% and 13%, respectively) in the oak leaves was found out. Chl content was determined to correlate with light, temperature, and humidity in both leaves of ash (respectively, r = -0.94, r = -0.92, r = 0.90) and oak (r = 0.95, r = 0.93, r = -0.90). Catalase activity grew with increasing altitude in leaves of ash (2 and 2.2 fold compared to lower altitude) and oak (1.2 and 1.4 fold) as well. Contribution of catalase to the total antioxidant enzymes activity enhanced in leaves of both species with increasing altitude. The results confirmed high sensitivity of steppe forest trees even to slight altitude-associated environmental deviations. Data obtained can be used to assess the adaptive potential of woody species to the climate changes aiming towards greater aridity traits and select tree species for planted forest creation as well.
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