Adaptation strategies and referencing trial of Scots and black pine populations subjected to heavy metal pollution.

ABSTRACT: The impact of industrial heavy metal pollution on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and black pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) populations was investigated. Sampled pine stands, which were located in Upper Silesia (southern Poland) in an area strongly polluted by heavy metals, consisted of resistant and sensitive trees. To evaluate the adaptation process, genetic structure and diversity was tested using isozyme analysis. Higher levels of Zn, Pb, Cd and Cu were detected in needles of sensitive trees compared with resistant ones. With respect to morphology, Scots pines were more distinctly impaired than black pines. Although black pines had lower heavy metal concentrations, levels in 1-year-old needles, other than Cu, significantly exceeded "reference plant" values (Markert 1994). In both species, res

SUBMITTER: Chudzinska E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3906555 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature