Effect of auto-exhaust pollution on leaf anatomy and micromorphology of Pistacia vera L.

Abstract

One of the important causes of air pollution is automobile emissions Automobile exhausts can be toxic and harmful to plants. In light of this, this study aimed to examine the anatomical and micromorphological effects of auto exhaust pollution on Pistacia vera L. (Pistachio), an important agricultural plant. Pistachio leaflet samples taken from heavy traffic areas and rural areas were compared anatomically and micromorphologically. Also, the data were statistically evaluated. As a result of the study, it was seen that there are anatomical and micromorphological differences between the plant in the rural area and the plant in the heavy traffic area in the city center where air pollution and the number of cars are high. In particular, significant differences were detected in the epidermis surface and cuticle structure, trichome cover, stomatal characteristics, as well as mesophyll width, and epidermis anticlinal outer wall width. As a result, the study revealed that the agriculturally important P. vera is affected by pollution anatomically and micromorphologically.