Use of Physiological-Biochemical, Cellular and Sub-Cellar Characteristics of Betula Pendula as Markers of Seed Germination and Monitoring Territory Pollution

Abstract

The amount of total soluble protein cytogenetic indices, germination ability in the seed progeny of Betula pendula in areas with different levels of anthropogenic pollution was studied. The seed progeny of Betula pendula has an increased germination ability and total protein in areas with low pollution levels as compared to the control group (seeds collected in the ecologically clean territory) and to the same parameters for the areas with high levels of anthropogenic pressure. A high positive correlation was established between seed germination and the amount of total soluble protein. The parameter “amount of total protein” is characterized as a marker of seed germination, which determines the possibility of their germination. Cytogenetic parameters (mitotic activity, percentage ratio of cell number at mitosis stages, level of mitosis pathologies, level of cells with persistent nucleoli at metaphase - anaphase mitosis stage) of seed seedlings of weeping birch were studied as marker signs of anthropogenic pollution of territories. Relations between cytogenetic and biochemical characteristics were found. The impact of the environment, caused mainly by heavy metal pollution, on birch trees and their seed progeny, can be defined as hormesis by biochemical and cytogenetic indices. A comprehensive study of cytogenetic and biochemical parameters can allow a quick and adequate evaluation of the seed quality of unknown origin which is especially important for plant industry and forestry as it allows selecting stable planting material and for the collection of material for pharmacognostic purposes in areas with different ecological pressure. Determining cytogenetic indices and the amount of total protein allows forecasting the germination capacities and germination abilities of the seeds of the weeping birch.