Damage to stomata and inhibition of photosynthesis by toxic pollutants in Pinus sylvestris needles as affected by the exposure time

Journal Article · Wed Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Russian Journal of Plant Physiology

OSTI ID:183608

Kaipiainen, L K; Sofronova, G I ^[1]; Hari, P ^[2]

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1. Institute of Forestry, Karelia (Russian Federation)
2. Helsinki Univ. (Finland); and others

The impact of persistent exposure of Pinus sylvestris L. trees of various ages to industrial emissions on stomata and photosynthesis of needles was studied in relation to the exposure time. The electron microscopic examination of the needles revealed an erosion of the epicuticular wax and damage to stomata, which increased with needle age until stomata were completely occluded by polymetallic dust. Pollutant particles wee found to contain S, Cl, Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Al, Ni, Fe, Cu, Co, Ti, and Zn. Photosynthetic rates were inhibited by 20-60%, depending on the needle age and tree condition. It is concluded that a nonuniformity in the toxicant distribution over the forest canopy and the age-dependent changes in the state of the cuticular wax layer are the most likely causes of variability in the extent to which individual trees were damaged by the toxicants.

• OSTI ID: 183608
• Journal Information: Russian Journal of Plant Physiology, Journal Name: Russian Journal of Plant Physiology Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 42; ISSN 1021-4437; ISSN RJPPE2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
AGE DEPENDENCE
ALUMINIUM
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CALCIUM
CHLORINE
COBALT
IRON
MAGNESIUM
MANGANESE
METALS
NICKEL
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
PINES
POTASSIUM
STOMATA
SULFUR
TITANIUM
ZINC