Needle Area Research Articles

Utjecaj ekspozicije krošnje na morfološka svojstva iglica devet četinjača

The aim of this research was to investigate if the crown exposure of some conifers influenced to needle properties. The leaf morphological traits of sixty-six trees of nine conifers: Atlas cedar, Austrian pine, Blue spruce, Douglas fir, European spruce, European yew, Serbian spruce, Silver fir, and White fir, from six Belgrade parks, were analyzed. Five needles were measured from each of the four main crown exposures. Length, width, area and perimeter of needles were investigated. Species, parks in which they were found, as well as crown exposures, differed mostly in needle length and needle width. Correlations between measured needle traits were determined by linear regression analysis. Strong positive correlations were found between the length, perimeter, and area of needles. The differences among the species in terms of light requirement determine species for individual planting as light-loving or partial shade species (Atlas cedar, European spruce, Serbian spruce, Blue spruce, Austrian pine and Douglas fir), or for group planting as shade-loving species (Silver fir, White fir and European yew).

Microsurgical Needle Retention Does Not Cause Pain or Neurovascular Injury in a Rat Model.

Male Sprague-Dawley rats (x̄ weight: 288.9 g) were implanted with a single, 9.0 needle (n = 8) or 8.0 needle (n = 8) orthogonal to the right femoral vessels and sutured in place. A control group (n = 8) underwent sham surgery. Weekly, a cumulative health score evaluating body weight, body condition score, physical appearance, and behavior for each rat was determined. Infrared thermography (°C, FLIR one) of each hindlimb and the difference was obtained on postoperative days 15, 30, 60, and 90. On day 90, animals were euthanatized, hindlimbs were imaged via fluoroscopy, and needles were explanted. The mean, cumulative health score for all cohorts at each weekly timepoint was 0. The mean temperature difference was not significantly different on postoperative days 15 (P = 0.54), 30 (P = 0.97), 60 (P = 0.29), or 90 (P = 0.09). In seven of eight rats, 8.0 needles were recovered and visualized on fluoroscopy. In six of eight rats, 9.0 needles were recovered, but 0/8 needles were visualized on fluoroscopy. Microsurgical needle retention near neurovascular structures may be benign, and imaging for needles smaller than 8.0 may be futile. Further studies should explore microsurgical needle retention potentially through larger animal models.

Fabrication and characterization of CuO nano-needles from thermal decomposition of Cu(II) metal complex: Fluorometric detection of antibiotics, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities

In the present study, CuO NPs and CuO nano-needles were synthesized using thermal decomposition of Cu(II) complex derived from 2-(4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylimino)methyl)-6-methoxyphenol (TMPM6MOP) and characterized by UV–vis DRS, PL, FTIR, XRD, and SEM. The monoclinic crystalline nature of the CuO NPs and CuO needles was illustrated by the XRD. The average size of the CuO NPs (30 nm) and CuO needles (diameter 10 nm, length 250 nm) were estimated from XRD and SEM. The prepared CuO needles were used as a fluorescent sensor for the selective and sensitive detection of ciprofloxacin (Cipro) among various antibiotics at diverse pH (4.0–9.0) conditions and the optimized pH = 5.0. The response of Cipro using the CuO needles was linear over the range from 10 to 100 µM L–1. This sensor showed the lowest limit of detection of 0.21 nM and was much lower than the other antibiotic sensors. In addition, the sensor is highly sensitive, selective, and durable in the presence of a range of potentially interfering fluorometric active compounds due to the large surface area and positive surface charge of the CuO needles. Moreover, antimicrobial activities and antioxidant activities were investigated to evaluate the biological potential of the CuO NPs and CuO needles.

Assessment of the Mass and Surface Area of the Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Needles

The assessment of the surface area of all leaves from a tree crown is regarded as one of the key parameters in scaling ecophysiological processes, such as growth, carbon budget, and water management. The purpose of this study was to investigate the variation of the mass and surface area of Scots pine needles, obtained from trees growing in the same habitat conditions but at different stock densities, therefore occupying different biosocial positions. The mass of needles and the leaf area index (LAI) were determined for an even-aged 33-year-old Scots pine stand located at a fresh mixed coniferous forest site in southwest Poland (50°32′ N; 17°42′ E). The needles, collected from all the sample trees, were subjected to a biometric analysis to determine the total mass of needles from each tree, the mass of 1000 needle pairs, the number of needles per crown, and the needle length distribution. Based on the actual measurements, we derived allometric equations for finding the fresh mass (FMN) and the surface area of the needles (SN), using the diameter at breast height (DBH) as an independent variable. The relationships between the mass of the needles and the DBH were significant (p < 0.0001), and so were those between the surface area of the needles and the DBH (p < 0.001). The fresh mass of needles for the tree stands varied from 6458 kg·ha−1 to 11,102 kg·ha−1. The LAI was in the range of 3.2 to 5.4 m2·m−2. The mean value of the LAI for the Scots pine stand was 4 m2·m−2. Further studies are required and more algorithms need to be developed for the quantitative assessment of the LAI in Scots pine trees, using a larger number of sample trees with more varied biometric features.

Structural Design and Performance Research of a Knitted Flexible Sensor.

This paper mainly studies the structure and performance of a smart knitting sensor and selects three kinds, 1 + 1, 2 + 2, and 2 + 1, of fake rib stitches. 70D and 100D silver-plated conductive yarns with a 40D carbon black conductive yarn are knitted into different fabrics in the way of plating. Finally, the related properties of the conductive fabrics of different sizes are studied. This study found that the prepared knitted fabrics can not only meet the requirements of air permeability standards in both the plain needle area and the plated area greatly but also have good elastic recovery. When the number of the plated conductive yarn is the same, the conductivity of the fabric increases with the increase in the conductive yarn wale number, and the smaller the number of plated yarns, the greater the influence of the wale number on the change in conductivity. When the number of plated yarn wales is the same, the conductivity of the fabric decreases with the increase in the conductive yarn course number, and the smaller the wale number, the smaller the effect of the course number on the change in conductivity. When the fabric formed by a silver-plated conductive yarn is in a stretched state, the conductivity decreases. However, the electrical conductivity of the 100D silver-plated fabric is more stable than that of the 70D silver-plated fabric. The conductivity of the carbon black conductive fabric is in the order of MΩ, and the conductivity of the conductive fabric changes greatly and disperses when the conductive fabric is in a stretched state. The conductive stability of the 1 + 1 fake rib stitch samples was the best before washing. On the contrary, the conductive stability of the 2 + 2 fake rib stitch fabrics was relatively good after washing.

Recognition of jet modes in electrohydrodynamic direct-writing based on image segmentation

The jet modes are directly related to the stable and accurate deposition in electrohydrodynamic direct writing. In order to analyze the state of the jet through the image, it is essential to segment the image into needle area, droplet area and jet area. The small feature scale, unclear boundary and fast response speed bring troubles to the region segmentation. An algorithm of region segmentation is proposed to achieve the region segmentation. A scan method is used to extract the needle area automatically and the open-operation is used to separate the droplet area and jet area. The characters of droplet and jet are analyzed to judge the mode of the jet, which directly reflects the stability of the ejection state. This work is beneficial to the real-time controlling of the EDW and the stability and uniformity of micro/nanofibers.

Characteristics of Picea neoveitchii tree growth in mountain areas of central China: insights from isotopic compositions and satellite-derived indices

ABSTRACT Leaf nitrogen (N) status and stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ 13C) and nitrogen (δ 15N) were used to study environmental factors that control mountain individuals of Picea neoveitchii trees, a coniferous species endemic and endangered in China. From May to September 2016, we carried out observations at four different altitude locations extending southeast of Daba Mountain in western Hubei Province. Needle-shaped leaf δ 13C was positively correlated with needle N and C content calculated from the needle area (Narea and Carea content), needle δ 15N, needle mass, and leaf mass per area (LMA), respectively. Needle δ 15N was also positively correlated with monthly temperature and precipitation for the current month and last month. The seasonal normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) was highest in June at the lowest altitude and August at the highest altitude. We found that N availability as an important driving factor for tree growth is controlled by surface soil temperature, while in summer, air temperatures above 23 °C exceed the physiological threshold of trees and limit the growth of trees. We concluded that the negative effect of higher temperature on tree growth is greater than the positive effect of higher nitrogen.

Effect of Roller Pump Pulse in the Arterial Needle Area during Hemodialysis.

Vascular access is a lifeline for hemodialysis patients. Its lifetime is affected by many hemodynamic factors such as pressure, flow regime and wall shear stress. During hemodialysis, changes in hemodynamic parameters occur due to the flow from needles inserted into the vascular system. Primarily, there is a change in shear stress that affects the vascular wall. Pathological effects of high or low WSS are known. The effect of jet from a venous needle on hemodynamics parameters was studied, but the influence of the arterial needle on hemodynamics parameters is not sufficiently studied. To understand its possible effects, we performed in vivo and in vitro studies. Methods. In vivo experiment: The existence of flow reversal around the suction needle was visualized in a group of 12 randomly selected patients using ultrasound velocity profiling (Doppler ultrasonography) during hemodialysis. In vitro experiment: The flow field was measured using the stereo particle image velocimetry method (stereo PIV). Two regimes were studied. In the first regime, the fluid in the extracorporeal circuit was pumped by a peristaltic pump. In the second regime, the continuous pump was used in the extracorporeal circuit. The conditions were set to resemble those in vascular access during a hemodialysis session. Flow volume was set to 600 mL/min for vascular access and 200 mL/min for the extracorporeal circuit. Results. The main finding of this study was that the wall in the region of the arterial needle was stressed by backflow through the arterial needle. Since this was a variable, low-shear stress loading, it was one of the risk factors for the development of stenosis. Cyclic flow reversal was apparent in all of the included hemodialysis patients. The stereo PIV in vitro experiment revealed the oscillating character of wall shear stress (WSS) inside the model. High shear stress was documented upstream of the injection point of the arterial needle. An area of very low WSS was detected right behind the injection point during a pulse of the peristaltic pump. The minimal and maximal values of the WSS during a pulse of the peristaltic pump in the observed area were −0.7 Pa and 6 Pa, respectively. The distribution of wall shear stress with the continual pump used in the extracorporeal circuit was similar to the distribution during a pulse of the peristaltic one. However, the WSS values were continual; the WSS did not oscillate. WSS ranged between 4.8 Pa and 1.0 Pa.

A methodological approach for the assessment of basic crown parameters in Scots pine stands

Among other measurement techniques applied for the assessment of leaf area index, direct methods are still valued as the most accurate measures and often implemented as calibration tools. Even though more attention has been given to indirect measurements of tree crown properties in forest ecosystems over the last decades, the present study was designed to discuss the direct (destructive) and indirect (non-destructive) methods used for the assessment of crown measures in the stands defoliated from 20 to 90%. The stands with similar stand characteristics and representing relatively wide range of defoliation served as an appropriate target for the assessment of foliage mass variations.
 Overall, this study showed that the foliage mass or its surface area and defoliation at the stand level can be determined by the conventional methods used for the assessment of defoliation in forest monitoring programme as well as the PAR transmission methods. The findings showed that needle surface area decreased with the increase of tree defoliation; however, the changes of branch and stem surface areas were insignificant. Otherwise, the branch and shoot area contribute significantly to the total vegetation surface area at least in Scots pine stands. This study also strengthened the idea that the indirect measurement of vegetation area index underestimated vegetation area index at least in Scots pine stands defoliated less than 60%. The multivariate regression models were developed using tree diameter at breast height and tree crown defoliation ranges to estimate needle surface area. Keywords: Pinus sylvestris, crown defoliation, needle area index, regression model

Новый подход к оценке площади поверхности хвои пихты сибирской

Новый подход к оценке площади поверхности хвои пихты сибирской

Heterophyllous Shoots of Japanese Larch Trees: The Seasonal and Yearly Variation in CO2 Assimilation Capacity of the Canopy Top with Changing Environment.

Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi = L. leptolepis) is often characterized by its high growth rate with heterophyllous shoots, but the functional differences of heterophyllous shoots still remain unclear. Recently, abrupt high temperature and drought during spring induced high photosynthetic rate via change in leaf morphology of the deciduous habit. In order to reveal the photosynthetic characteristics of both short and long-shoot needles of sunny canopy of the larch trees using a canopy tower, we calculated the seasonal change of gas exchange characters and leaf mass per area (LMA) and foliar nitrogen content (N) of heterophyllous needles: short and long-shoot needles over 3 years. No marked difference in light-saturated photosynthetic rates (Psat) was observed between short and long shoots after leaf maturation to yellowing, although the difference was obvious in a specific year, which only shows that seasonal change in temperature and soil moisture determines the in situ photosynthetic capacity of needles. The large annual and seasonal variations in Psat in both shoots were found to be mainly determined by climatic variations, while shoot types determined the strategy of their photosynthetic N utilization as well as the stomatal regulation.

Comparison of the Ecophysiological Parameters of Pine and Spruce in the Serebryanoborsky Experimental Forest District

Research conducted in Serebryanoborsky forestry Institute of Forestry RAS. To evaluate gas exchange, an original setup based on an infrared gas analyzer was used. The installation created at the Forestry Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences made it possible to simultaneously, round-the-clock receive daily changes in the intensity of photosynthesis and respiration of adult trunks of pine and spruce trees. It was found that the respiration of pine and spruce trunks, calculated on the surface of trunks, does not differ significantly, while the intensity of photosynthesis of spruce (when calculated on the surface area of needles) is almost two times lower than that of pine. However, we believe that when calculating the area of growth, the differences will be insignificant, since the mass of spruce needles in the stand is much greater than the mass of pine needles per unit area of growth. It was found that the intensity of photosynthesis of spruce is more affected by moisture deficiency. So, during the day, with a PVPL equal to -0.8 MPa, on a cloudy day from 9 oclock it reduces the intensity of photosynthesis, whereas in pine only after 12 hours. On cloudy days, spruce with the same water supply practically does not decrease the intensity of photosynthesis during the whole day, and differences in the light curves of photosynthesis of pine and spruce are less significant. The calculation of pine and spruce trunk respiration per day depends on the arrival of solar radiation on cloudy days, the respiration rate is two times weaker than on low-cloud days. Thus, environmental and physiological indicators reflect the state of stands. The most informative indicator is the predawn water potential of the leaf (needles). This indicator characterizes the water availability of the tree, regardless of the reason for the decrease in water availability. The daily course of photosynthesis intensity and CO2 emission from the surface of the trunks are also informative indicators of the state of trees. However, when comparing different breeds by shade tolerance, it is better to use breathing from the surface of the trunks. Приведены результаты оценки влияния окружающей среды на эколого-физиологические показатели ели обыкновенной и сосны обыкновенной. Установлено, что дыхание стволов сосны и ели при расчете за сутки зависит от поступления солнечной радиации: в пасмурные дни интенсивность дыхания в 2 раза слабее, чем в малооблачные. При недостатке влаги интенсивность фотосинтеза ели снижается в большей степени, чем у сосны.

Relationship between Projected Shoot Area and Projected Needle Area in <i>Cryptomeria japonica</i> D. Don Trees

Relationship between Projected Shoot Area and Projected Needle Area in <i>Cryptomeria japonica</i> D. Don Trees

Early growth performance of mycorrhizae inoculated Taurus Cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) seedlings in a nursery experiment conducted in inland part of Turkey

Survival rate of seedlings planted in arid and semi-arid land parts of Turkey is low. New methods and techniques are needed to increase survival rate and growth performance of seedlings used in afforestation practices in the region. The aim of this study is to evaluate the growth performance of Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich) seedlings receiving different mycorrhizae inoculation treatments. The experiment was conducted in the western part of Central Anatolia. Two commercial mycorrhizal cocktails were used for treatments in a completely randomized design experiment. Both ecto- and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were observed in the same root system of the seedlings after the mycorrhizal inoculation. But the relationship between ecto- and arbuscular mycorrhiza was antagonistic. Analysis of the data indicated that mycorrhizal colonization was effective on seedlings' morphological characteristics. The significant differences were detected for root collar diameter, shoot height, root length, specific needle area, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, shoot to root dry weight ratio, and Dickson quality index of seedling received different treatments. Mycorrhizae positively affected plant nutrition by increasing uptake of nutrients.

Effects of mild drought on the morphology of sun and shade needles in 20-year-old Norway spruce trees

Several studies have looked at how individual environmental factors influence needle morphology in conifer trees, but interacting effects between drought and canopy position have received little attention. In this study, we characterized morphological responses to experimentally induced drought stress in sun exposed and shaded current-year Norway spruce needles. In the drought plot trees were suffering mild drought stress, with an average soil water potential at 50 cm depth of -0.4 MPa. In general, morphological needle traits had greater values in sun needles in the upper canopy than in shaded needles in the lower canopy. Needle morphology 15 months after the onset of drought was determined by canopy position, as only sun needle morphology was affected by drought. Thus, canopy position was a stronger morphogenic factor determining needle structure than was water availability. The largest influence of mild drought was observed for needle length, projected needle area and total needle area, which all were reduced by ~27% relative to control trees. Needle thickness and needle width showed contrasting sensitivity to drought, as drought only affected needle thickness (10% reduction). Needle dry mass, leaf mass per area and needle density were not affected 15 months after the onset of mild drought. Our results highlight the importance of considering canopy position as well as water availability when comparing needle structure or function between conifer species. More knowledge about how different canopy parts of Norway spruce adapt to drought is important to understand forest productivity under changing environmental conditions.

Influence of growing conditions on morphological and anatomical characteristics of pine needles in the northern taiga

The aim of the study was to determine the adaptive characteristics of pine needles associated with age and different growing conditions. The length of the needles decreases and its variability reduces with increasing dryness and poverty of the soil. In oppressed trees, the coefficient of variability of the length of the needles on the tree is 8%. The coefficient of variation in the length of needles approaching 20% will indicate the best conditions for the growth of a particular tree. Trends of the dependence of width and thickness of needles on growing conditions were not identified. The area of needles in pine forests with optimal water regime of soils (blueberry, cowberry type) varies in the range of 112–124 mm<sup>2</sup>. In extreme growing conditions pine needles area is reduced by 27–33% and equals 76–86 mm<sup>2</sup>. These ranges of values of the areas of needles are typical for plantings of the third and fourth classes of age. Changing the width and thickness of the needles is aimed at compensating for changes in the length of the needles in the direction of maintaining the optimal area for these conditions needles. In extreme conditions, the area of the assimilating tissue increases, and the area of the conducting tissue (stele) decreases. Correlation dependences of the area of the stele of needles with the cross-sectional area, with the area of conducting beams, with the number of resin canals and with the cover fabric are revealed.

The Spatial Distribution of the Needle Area of Planted Larix olgensis Trees

The spatial distribution of leaf area largely governs both the structure and function of a tree crown. Three sample trees were selected from a 16-year-old Larix olgensis plantation in the Maoershan Forest Farm, Heilongjiang Province, based on the average diameter at breast height in each plot. All needles from the branches in the nodal and internodal pseudowhorls within the crown were destructively sampled. The crown was divided into several segments in the vertical and horizontal directions, resulting in different sub-regions. The needle area (NA) in each sub-region was computed based on the needle mass per area (NMA). The vertical and horizontal distributions and their cumulative NA distributions were characterized using the Weibull distribution function and its cumulative form. A two-dimensional NA model was created by combining the two Weibull distribution functions of the vertical and horizontal distributions. The variation in the spatial distribution of the NA among the different crown directions is discussed, and the influence of competition from competitors on the spatial distribution of NA was analyzed. The results showed that the Weibull distribution function and its cumulative form performed well in describing the vertical and horizontal distributions and the cumulative distributions of the NA, which was generally concentrated upward within the crown. This phenomenon was most apparent in dense stands with strong competition. The center of the NA exhibited an inward shift in the horizontal direction within the crown but shifted outwards with an increase in competition. The cumulative vertical and horizontal distributions of the NA obviously varied with different crown directions, which was associated mainly with the light conditions. The two-dimensional NA patterns showed that the center of the NA generally shifted outward with an increase in the relative depth into the crown (RDINC), and that more concentrated and more skewed patterns usually occurred under increased competition. Different crown directions exhibited different two-dimensional NA patterns, but the core driver was the variable light condition caused by the competitors, particularly in closed stands.

Safe acupuncture and dry needling during pregnancy: New Zealand physiotherapists’ opinion and practice

ObjectiveAcupuncture guidelines have advised caution when treating women during pregnancy, because historical “forbidden” acupuncture points are believed to stimulate miscarriage or early labor. Despite recent research demonstrating that acupuncture is a useful and safe treatment tool for pregnancy-related low-back pain (LBP) and pelvic girdle pain (PGP), it is postulated that fear of miscarriage and subsequent blame by association, restricts its provision. More recently, an increase in dry needling (DN) courses for physiotherapists has potentiated the rapid growth in DN practice in New Zealand (NZ). Many dry needlers do not consider DN to be a form of acupuncture; it is unknown if they have similar safety concerns. MethodsNZ registered physiotherapists practicing acupuncture and/or DN were invited to participate in an electronic survey to examine their practice and level of understanding in regard to safe needling during pregnancy. ResultsOf 124 respondents, only 60 (48%) would needle pregnant women, with a further 66% of those still expressing safety concerns. NZ physiotherapists practicing DN only, were more likely to needle areas related to “forbidden” points in all trimesters. However, overall, NZ physiotherapists were less likely to needle “forbidden” points than their UK peers. ConclusionConflicting literature and a “fear of blame” influences NZ physiotherapists’ decisions to offer needling (both acupuncture and DN) during pregnancy. Further training in this field is recommended to ensure safe practice and adequate provision of acupuncture treatment options for pregnant women suffering musculoskeletal pain, such as LBP and PGP. Further research, particularly into DN, for women during pregnancy, is warranted.

Bioecological analysis of Picea pungens needles in the deterioral conditions of the DTEK Prydniprovsk thermal power plant

Crucial for the research on adaptiogenesis of introduced coniferous species is the study the anatomical structure of their vegetative organs, especially the needles, which provides the productivity of individual trees and plantings in general. In conditions of anthropogenic pressure of the environment there are changes in the thickness and structure of the histological elements of vegetative organs of coniferous species, in the first place, protective tissues. Therefore, the study of the anatomical structure of the needles is relevant in the context of studying the ways and mechanisms of adaptation of gymnosperms to industrial emissions and the finding sensitive phytoindicators of environmental pollution and the condition of coniferous plants in man-made zones. However, today the chronic effect of phytotoxicants on the anatomical structure of needles is insufficiently studied. Ecological and anatomical studies of P. pungens in the conditions of the steppe zone of Ukraine for the effects of technogenesis are practically absent. Prydniprovsk TPP is the largest source of pollution in the city of Dnipro (Ukraine): its emissions make up 68,9 % of the volume of toxic compounds of all enterprises and transport facilities. The main pollutants of emissions from Prydniprovsk TPP are SO2, NO2, solids, CO. In order to reduce the negative impact of the TPP emissions, green plantations mainly from softwood are created around it, which purify the atmosphere and improve the environment throughout the year. In view of this, the purpose of the work is to analyse the state of morphological and anatomical indices of the Picea pungens Engelm f. glauca Beissn. needles under the influence of emissions from Prydniprovsk TPP. The research is conducted according to generally accepted methods (Zlobin et al., 2009; Albrechtova, 2003; Permjakov, 1988). It has been found that the length and weight of needles in experimental specimens of P. pungens decrease with respect to the values of these indices in plants of relatively pure zone; therefore, they are sensitive growth parameters to the action of environmental pollution. Nevertheless, the intensity of the growth of P. pungens needles does not change; therefore, it is not an informative feature for assessing the living conditions of the prickly fir in the industrial zone. The analysis of the micromorphological features of P. pungens needles showed resistance to anthropogenic pressure of its characteristics, such as width and thickness, although the area of needles decreases, which is associated with a significant decrease in the technogenic conditions of the environment of its length. In plants of P. pungens, growing on the territory adjacent to Prydniprovsk TPP, the size of the constituents of needles of P. pungens (epidermis and hypoderms), as well as the number, diameter and type of placement of resin passages in the mesophyll of the needles do not differ significantly from such indices in plants of relatively pure zone indicating the stability of these features and the resistance of the needles of the investigated species to the emissions of TPP. The thickness of the assimilation parenchyma from the adaxial side of the needle of P. pungens in the conditions of technogenesis increases. Among the histological elements of the needles P. pungens the greatest influence of man-made emissions is experienced by the components of the central conductive cylinder: the layer of endoderm thickens by 15,9 %, as compared with the control value, which we consider as an adaptive reaction of plants to man-made stress; the diameter of the central conductive cylinder and the thickness of xylem increases. Probably this is due to the need for better water supply of plants. Thus, in the conditions of technogenesis, stability of the histological characteristics and plasticity of the morphometric characteristics of the needles P. pungens were revealed. The formation of adaptive mechanisms of compensatory type in the needles of P. pungens under the influence of phytotoxicants was found: there is an increase of the size of the endoderm, mesophyll, xylem and the central conductive cylinder of the needles. It is shown that the ratio of particles of histological structures of needles (in %) to the action of pollutants of TPP remains practically unchanged. The informative test parameters for monitoring studies of the condition of coniferous plants in man-made zones (mass, length and area of needles) are suggested. Estimation of P. pungens resistance to the components of the thermal power plant's emissions as a medium-resistant species. It is recommended to use P. pungens in landscaping of contaminated areas.

The length, number, and endodermis area of needles discriminate two genetically distinct populations of Cedrus atlantica Manetti in the Moroccan Middle Atlas

The variation in some adaptive characters of cedar needles was studied in two different regions of the Moroccan Middle Atlas that have different local environmental conditions and levels of genetic diversity. The two populations are localized in the Azrou and Ifrane regions. Tukey’s tests showed that the needle/brachyblast number (Nn/R), length (Nl), and needle width (Nw) showed the greatest variation. In addition, all anatomical characters studied showed a significant correlation with Nw, whereas only the area of the vascular bundles (AVb) was related to Nl. Discriminant analysis revealed that Nn/R, Nl, and the area of the central cylinder (ACc) are high-discriminating characters among populations of Azrou and Ifrane and confirms their isolation. These adaptations of the morphological and anatomical traits of the Atlas cedar needles of the Azrou and Ifrane regions are discussed in relation to the local environmental conditions and have been found to be in harmony with their genetic distinctiveness revealed previously.