Roadside Larch Trees (Larix Mill.) and Its Female Generative Organs as a Biomonitor of Air Pollution

摘要

The disturbances in the morphology and anatomical structure of female generative organs were investigated in two species of roadside larch trees Larix decidua Mill., L. decidua subsp. polonica, and L. kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr., within the administrative boundaries of the city of Lublin. The irregularities of female cones appear more often at the juvenile stage of their development. Completely dried cones or cones with partially dried scales were observed on the L. decidua trees growing in a more polluted environment (in comparison with the place of growing of control trees). Among the more developmentally advanced cones, partially dried and completely deformed or bent female generative organs with a disturbed anatomical structure were visible. Peroxidase activity was significant higher in L. decidua subsp. polonica located near the street with heavy traffic. The study can be used as a basis for deeper and more detailed investigations of reproduction of larches in different environments with air pollution in the area of Lublin and its vicinity. Maybe roadside larches and its generative organs can be used as possible biomonitors of air pollution in urban conditions.