Pinus Sylvestris Needles Research Articles

Dynamics of the processes of formation and accumulation of phenolic and pigment complexes in the needles of pine Pinus sylvestris

Dynamics of the processes of formation and accumulation of phenolic and pigment complexes in the needles of pine Pinus sylvestris

Changes in Biologically Active Compounds in Pinus sylvestris Needles after Lymantria monacha Outbreaks and Treatment with Foray 76B.

Due to climate warming, the occurrence of Lymantria monacha outbreaks is predicted to become more frequent, causing repeated and severe damage to conifer trees. Currently, the most effective way to control the outbreaks is aerial spraying with the bioinsecticide Foray 76B. The present study aimed to determine the impact of both: (i) L. monacha outbreaks and (ii) treatment with Foray 76B on tree resistance through the synthesis of polyphenols (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids), lipid peroxidation (MDA), and soluble sugars (TSS) in Pinus sylvestris needles. Samples were collected from visually healthy (control), damaged/untreated, and damaged/Foray 76B-treated plots in 2020 and 2021 (following year after the outbreaks). The results revealed that L. monacha outbreaks contributed to the increase in TPC by 34.1% in 2020 and 26.7% in 2021. TFC negatively correlated with TPC, resulting in 17.6% and 11.1% lower concentrations in L. monacha-damaged plots in 2020 and 2021, respectively. A decrease in MDA was found in the damaged plots in both 2020 and 2021 (10.2% and 23.3%, respectively), which was associated with the increased synthesis of photosynthetic pigments in 2021. The research results also showed that in the following year after the outbreaks, the increase in the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments was also affected by the treatment with Foray 76B. Moreover, the increase in the synthesis of TPC and photosynthetic pigments in the damaged plots in 2021 illustrates the ability of pines to keep an activated defense system to fight biotic stress. Meanwhile, a higher synthesis of photosynthetic pigments in Foray 76B-treated plots indicates a possible effect of the treatment on faster tree growth and forest recovery after L. monacha outbreaks.

Estimation of Carbon and Nitrogen Contents in Forest Ecosystems in the Background Areas of the Russian Arctic (Murmansk Region)

In this study, carbon and nitrogen contents in the undisturbed terrestrial ecosystems in the northern taiga zone of Russia’s Murmansk region were estimated. The goal of this study was to examine the carbon and nitrogen dynamics in atmospheric precipitation, assimilating organs of coniferous trees (Picea obovata and Pinus sylvestris), needle litter, soils, and soil water. The objects of our research were the most common dwarf shrub-green moss spruce forests and lichen-dwarf shrub pine forests of the boreal zone. The study was carried out on permanent plots between 1999 and 2020. The long-term dynamics of carbon concentrations in snow demonstrated a trend towards increasing carbon concentrations in forested and treeless areas of the Murmansk region. It was shown that in representative spruce and pine forests, the concentrations and atmospheric precipitation of carbon compounds and carbon leaching with soil water were higher below the tree crowns, compared to between the crowns. In soil water, a decrease was found in carbon concentration with the soil profile depth. For soils, the highest carbon concentrations were found in the organic and illuvial soil horizons. The main soil sinks of carbon and nitrogen in northern taiga forests were found to be located in the organic soil horizon below the crowns. In northern taiga forests, the carbon content of living Picea obovata and Pinus sylvestris needles and Pinus sylvestris needle litter had minor variability; no significant interbiogeocoenotic and age differences were found. We found that the nitrogen content in brown needles and needle litter was significantly lower compared to photosynthetically active needles, probably due to retranslocation processes (withdrawal before needle abscission), corroborating the literature in the results session. The largest stocks of carbon and nitrogen in northern taiga forests are concentrated in the soil organic horizon, and the removal of these elements with soil water is insignificant. Carbon and nitrogen stocks in living and fallen needles are lower than in soil. The least amount of carbon and nitrogen is contained in atmospheric precipitation.

Türkiye’nin kuzeybatısındaki bir plantasyonda yerli ve egzotik çam türlerinin ibrelerinde görülen fungal endofitler

The endophytic fungi present in needles of Pinus sylvestris, Pinus pinaster, Pinus nigra, Pinus taeda and Pinus radiata were investigated in Kerpe Research Forest, İzmit in 2016. Ten trees of each pine species were sampled systematically. Previous years green needles were sampled from the lower part of the canopy, from two equally spaced positions around the tree. Each needle was surface sterilized and cut into 0.5 cm sections then individually placed onto malt extract agar plates. DNA was ex-tracted from reprensentative seven isolates and amplified using primers ITS1 and ITS4 targeting the nuclear 5.8S rDNA gene and the two ITS regions flanked between 18S and 28S rDNA genes. Amplicons sequenced in both directions using the univer-sal fungal primers ITS1 and ITS4. Isolations from a total of 1000 needles (200 from each pine species) yielded 750 fungal isolates. Pestalotiopsis funerea (Desm.) Steyaert was isolated at the highest frequency followed by Acremonium sp., Cladio-sporum sp. and Cyclaneusma minus.

Accumulation of antimony and lead in leaves and needles of trees: The role of traffic emissions

Antimony (Sb) is a toxic metalloid, which has been increasingly used in the brake lining of vehicles, and increased concentrations have been found in soils near abundant traffic. However, since very few investigations of Sb accumulation in urban vegetation have been undertaken there exists a knowledge gap. We studied the concentrations of Sb in leaves and needles of trees in the Gothenburg City area, Sweden. In addition, lead (Pb), also associated with traffic, was investigated. Sb and Pb concentrations of Quercus palustris leaves at seven sites with contrasting traffic intensity varied substantially, correlated with the traffic-related PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) air pollution at the sites and increased during the growing season. Sb but not Pb concentrations were significantly higher in needles of Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris near major roads compared to sites at larger distances. In Pinus nigra needles at two urban streets both Sb and Pb were higher compared to an urban nature park environment, emphasising the role of traffic emissions for these elements. A continued accumulation of Sb and Pb in three years old needles of Pinus nigra, two years old needles of Pinus sylvestris and eleven years old needles of Picea abies was observed. Our data suggest a pronounced link between traffic pollution and Sb accumulation in leaves and needles, where the particles carrying Sb seem not to be transported very far from the source. We also conclude that there exists a strong potential for Sb and Pb bioaccumulation over time in leaves and needles. Implications of these findings are that increased concentrations of toxic Sb and Pb are likely to prevail in environments with high traffic intensity and that Sb can enter the ecological food chain by accumulation in leaves and needles, which is important for the biogeochemical cycling.

The content of nutrients, lignin and cellulose in plants and lichens in the forest-tundra ecotone of the Khibiny mountain massif

The results of studies of the chemical composition of plants and lichens in the altitude gradient on the slope of Yumechorr of the Khibiny mountain massif (Murmansk region) are presented. The species specificity of the accumulation of macro- and microelements by the assimilating organs of plants and lichens in the in the main altitude zones is shown. The leaves of Betula pubescens and Vaccinium myrtillus are the most rich of elements of mineral nutrition. Lichens are characterized by a low content of N, Ca, K, P, Mg, S, as well as Zn and Mn and high - Fe, Cu, Ni. In spruce and pine needles, similar patterns of the distribution of elements by age classes were revealed. Changes in the content of nitrogen, mineral elements, secondary metabolites in the altitude gradient in the assimilating organs of plants and lichens, during the transition from the forest belt to the mountain forest, have been established. It has been established that with increasing growth height, the N content increases in Pinus sylvestris needles, in the leaves of Arctostaphyllos uva-ursi, in the leaves of the current year Empetrum hermaphroditum. Plants growing in the mountain tundra and forest tundra are characterized by a high content of K. The Zn content also increases with increasing absolute height in the conifers/leaves of P. sylvestris, B. pubescens, V. uliginosum. During the transition from the forest belt to the mountain tundra, the content of Ca and Mg decreases in plant leaves. In the leaves of E. hermaphroditum, minimal concentrations of Mn were also detected in the mountain tundra. The content of lignin and cellulose in the leaves of shrubs, with the exception of V. myrtillus, in the belt of coniferous forests is lower than in the belt of birch forests and tundra. The content of lignin in the leaves of B. nana and B. pubescens increases, and cellulose practically does not change with an increase in absolute height in the Khibiny Mountains. Accumulation of lignin is observed in needles of P.sylvestris in the belt of birch woodlands.

The year-round dynamic of metabolites accumulation in Pinus sylvestris needles in permafrost zone

The year-round dynamic of metabolites accumulation in Pinus sylvestris needles in permafrost zone

Изучение морфологической изменчивости листьев Pinus sylvestris, собранной на территории Карагандинской области

Bioindication using morphological indicators of plant leaves is an urgent direction for a quick and inexpensive assessment of environmental pollution. Karaganda region is an industrial region with a high level of emissions due to the activities of mining and metallurgical enterprises. The purpose of this paper to study the morphometric indicators of Pinus sylvestris needles collected in various places of growth in the Karaganda region (Central Kazakhstan): the cities of Karaganda, Temirtau, Satpayev, Balkhash, Zhezkazgan, Ulytau village. This article presents the study results of morphometric indicators of pine needles with an assessment of the appearance, length, width, thickness of needles, and average rotation around its own axis. It is found that in more contaminated areas, minimum values of sheet length and width, maximum values of average rotation around the axis, and the coefficient of variation of features are observed. Maximum values of sheet length and width, minimum degree of variation of studied features are noted in low-polluted areas. The thickness of the sheet does not reveal a reliable difference in the variants of the experience. The obtained data can be used for bioindication of environmental pollution.

δ15N in Birch and Pine Leaves in the Vicinity of a Large Copper Smelter Indicating a Change in the Conditions of Their Soil Nutrition

δ13C and δ15N were analyzed in the leaves of Pinus sylvestris L. and Betula spp. under the conditions of severe heavy metal (Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb) contamination. Twenty-seven plots located near the Karabash copper smelter (Russia) were studied. No reliable correlation of 13C in tree leaves with the level of pollution was observed. δ15N, both in Pinus sylvestris and Betula spp., increased similarly in polluted areas. δ15N was increased by 2.3‰ in the needles of Pinus sylvestris and by 1.6‰ in the leaves of Betula spp. in polluted plots compared to the background ones. The probable reasons for the increase in δ15N were estimated using multiple regression. The regression model, which includes two predictors: δ15N in the humus horizon and the occurrence of roots in the litter, explains 33% of the total variability of δ15N in leaves. Thus, in ecosystems polluted with heavy metals, the state of trees is determined not only by the direct toxic effects of heavy metals but also by indirect ones associated with the features of plant mineral nutrition. This fact opens the way to the search for opportunities to control the state of plants in disturbed ecosystems by regulating the content of mineral nutrition elements.

Effect of Scots pine needle age on preference, performance, and overwintering of pine-tree lappet larvae—the distaste for the oldest foliage

The choice of a host and feeding site is particularly interesting in the case of species feeding on conifers, where the larvae usually have a choice of several age classes of needles. The subject of this research is to answer whether the larvae have a specific preference for a certain needle age class, as well as how such foraging decisions influence larval performance and overwintering. We present the results of food choice tests and the influence of food quality (different age classes of Scots pine Pinus sylvestris needles) on the performance and overwintering of Dendrolimus pini larvae. The obtained results indicate that larvae fed with the youngest needles have the highest performance; however, in the food choice tests, one year old needles were chosen significantly more often. It was also shown that feeding on one year old needles led to the best overwintering survival. Differences in the contents of elements and metabolites explained the cause of the worst food, the oldest needles, and also the differentiation between current year and one year old needles. Water content may be of key importance, which is lower in one year old needles than in current year needles; its lower content may elevate the concentration of cryoprotectant substances.

The Content of Phosphorus in the Needles of Pinus sylvestris L. Affected by Industrial Air Pollution

A facility for disposal of toxic substances had been functioning in Kirov Oblast between 2006 and 2015. Destruction of phosphorus-containing substances resulted in formation of inorganic phosphorus compounds, which could enter the environment as components of gaseous emissions. The aim of the present work was to study the spatial patterns of accumulation of phosphorus compounds in the needles of Pinus sylvestris L. in the production area. The study was carried out at monitoring sites, which were represented by forest communities (southern taiga subzone) located at different distances from the pollution source (0.96–9.63 km). The total phosphorus in second-year pine needles was determined by the spectrophotometric method. During the research period (2011–2017), total phosphorus in the needles of P. sylvestris varied between 730 and 2229 μg/g. Based on results of cluster analysis, the sites were classified into two groups, which differed in levels of phosphorus accumulation in the needles of Р. sylvestris. The first group included sites with increased accumulation of total phosphorus in pine needles, which were located near the source of pollution in the direction of the prevailing winds. In sites belonging to the second group, the needles contained reduced amounts of phosphorus compounds. During the research period, variations in the amount of phosphorus in pine needles followed a similar pattern. From 2011 to 2016, the accumulation of phosphorus in the needles increased at monitoring sites of both groups. A decrease in total phosphorus in needles in 2017 was caused by a decrease in the release of phosphorus compounds to the environment and the involvement of accumulated phosphorus in the life processes of P. sylvestris. The increased accumulation of phosphorus compounds in needles in the sites near the source of air pollution was not favorable for vital processes of P. sylvestris needles and resulted in a reduction in their lifespan. Thus, the needles of P. sylvestris can be used as an accumulative indicator in areas affected by industrial air pollution by phosphorus compounds

The prospects for the rational use of biologically active substances from Pinus sylvestris needles in the creation of biopreparations

The prospects for the rational use of biologically active substances from Pinus sylvestris needles in the creation of biopreparations

Adaptation of a simple method to determine the total terpenoid content in needles of coniferous trees

In ecological research, quantitative methods are often used to measure the total content of metabolites groups (i.e., phenols, carbohydrates). Until recently, there has been no simple and effective method to determine the total terpenoid content with satisfactory repeatability and sensitivity. The procedure proposed by Ghorai et al. (2012) requires the use of fresh plant material. That may be problematic when experimental units are located far from a laboratory. Our goals were to optimize the procedure, and to find the threshold of misestimation using the procedure adjusted to work with dried material. Needles of Pinus sylvestris were used to test the effect of changes in drying, grinding, storage, and extraction on determined total terpenoid content. All applied changes in material storage and grinding decreased the quantity of the terpenoids in needles. Only air-dried and ball-milled material produced similar results to those obtained with fresh material – can be recommended if the fresh material unattainable. Air-dried material may be stored for up to three months, but it resulted in greater variation and then greater sample size is needed. Lower sample mass and solvent volume have no impact on accuracy. Shorter extraction time, oven-drying or microwaving leads to unreliability of measurements.

Heavy Metals and Sulphur in Needles of Pinus sylvestris L. and Soil in the Forests of City Agglomeration

The content of sulphur and copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and of assimilation pigments in the needles of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in the forests of Bydgoszcz, Poland was determined. The content of those metals and the activity of dehydrogenases (DHA) in the rhizosphere of the trees was assayed. The average total sulphur (TS) content in 2-year-old pine needles was 832.4 mg kg−1 d.w. No significant correlation was found between TS and Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in needles and the content of assimilation pigments indicating no phytotoxic effect of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and metals on Scots pine. The content of metals in the needles pointed to an inconsiderable degree of human impact. The soils in the surface layer were not contaminated with heavy metals. With the principal component analysis (PCA) two principal components were identified which accounted for 68% of the total change in variation. The variables that determined the principal components were the soil content of organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), TS and sulphates (SO42−), the soil content of Mn, Zn, available forms to plants of Cu, Mn, and the content of Cu, Fe in needles.

Changes in the fatty acid composition of pine needle lipids under the aluminum smelter emissions.

Changes in the fatty acid (FA) composition of total lipids of Pinus sylvestris needles at different pollution levels caused by emissions from a large aluminum smelter (BrAS) have been studied. In the needles of trees from unpolluted (background) territories, the FA spectrum is represented by 24 acids with prevalence of unsaturated FAs (71.6%). The main unsaturated FA are represented by oleic (C18: 1ω9), linoleic (C18: 2ω6), and α-linolenic (C18: 3ω3) acids. Under the influence of BrAS emissions, the total amount of identified FAs in the needles and the proportion of unsaturated FAs decrease, while the fraction of saturated FAs, on the contrary, increases from 25.4% in unpolluted needles to 33.2% in polluted ones. The content of palmitic FA (C16:0) in the needles exceeds background values by 1.5 times, behenic acid (C22:0) - by 1.6-2.5 times, arachidic acid (C20:0) - by 1.5 times, palmitic margaric acid (C17:0) - by 1.5-2.3 times. These FAs play the important role in the protection of plant membranes from the effects of abiotic stress factors, making them less permeable. The sum of short-chain saturated FAs (C12:0, C14:0, C15:0) increase by 4.8 times in needles of trees that are highly polluted. Pentadecanoic (C15:0) acid is found in the needles only in the background areas and at the low pollution level. With a more severe pollution, C15:0 is not identified, but lauric acid with the cis-configuration of double bonds in the structure (izo-C12:0) appears. The presence of "relict" ∆5-polymethylene FAs in the composition of pine needle membrane lipids is determined. In the background areas, they account for 12.9% of the total FAs. With the industrial pollution intensification, their total content increases and reaches 14.1%. ∆5-polymethylene FAs are also able to protect membranes against negative influences. Thus, changes in the quantitative and qualitative FA composition of pine needle total lipids indicate the activation of the stabilization mechanisms of membrane lipids due to their tight packing in a bilayer. It is one of the adaptive reactions of Pinus sylvestris in response to the impact of the aluminum industry emissions.

Seasonal Dynamics of Fungi Associated with Healthy and Diseased Pinus sylvestris Needles in Northern Europe.

The relationship between the ecological success of needle pathogens of forest trees and species richness of co-inhabiting endophytic fungi is poorly understood. One of the most dangerous foliar pathogens of pine is Dothistroma septosporum, which is a widely spread threat to northern European forests. We sampled two Pinus sylvestris sites in Estonia and two in Norway in order to analyse the relations between the abundance of D. septosporum and overall fungal richness, specific fungal species composition, time of season, needle age and position in the canopy. In both countries, the overall species richness of fungi was highest in autumn, showing a trend of increase with needle age. The overall species richness in the second-year needles in Estonia and third-year needles in Norway was similar, suggesting that a critical colonization threshold for needle shed in P. sylvestris is breached earlier in Estonia than in Norway. The fungal species richness in P. sylvestris needles was largely affected by Lophodermium conigenum. Especially in older needles, the relative abundance of L. conigenum was significantly higher in spring compared to summer or autumn. The timing of recruitment and colonization mechanisms of different foliage endophytes are shortly discussed.

Биоиндикация качества атмосферного воздуха по состоянию хвои Pinus sylvestris L. в условиях города Орска Оренбургской области

The article presents the results of a bioindication study of atmospheric air pollution on the condition of pine needles (Pinus sylvestris L.) on the example of the city of Orsk, Orenburg region. The city of Orsk is a major industrial center of the Southern Urals. The research was carried out on 6 sites located within the city with different anthropogenic loads. The research method is based on the direct dependence of damage to Pinus sylvestris L. needles (necrosis and desiccation) on the level of atmospheric air pollution. Analyzed the morphological characteristics of the needles of Pinus sylvestris L. in the studied areas. The result of the study is an assessment of the state of atmospheric air. Keywords: BIOINDICATION, SCOTS PINE, NEEDLES, AIR POLLUTION, ORSK CITY, ORENBURG REGION

ACTIVITY AND ISOZYME COMPOSITION OF PEROXIDASE IN SCOTS PINE (PINUS SYLVESTRIS L.) NEEDLES EFFECTED BY TECHNOGENIC EMISSIONS FROM VARIOUS ENTERPRISES AND VEHICLES

Background. The technogenic pollution leads to excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plants which are highly reactive and toxic and cause damage to biomolecules. Plants have a complex antioxidant defense system that protects cells from the ROS and maintain homeostasis. The most important link this system is enzymes, in particular, peroxidase. It was of interest to determine the expression of the protective properties of one of the sensitive species of coniferous plants under the influence of technogenic emissions from various enterprises and vehicles.
 Purpose. Investigation the activity and isoenzyme composition of peroxidase in the needles of Pinus sylvestris L. under the influence of technogenic emissions of different compositions in the Baikal region.
 Materials and methods. The pine needles were collected on sample plots located near an aluminum plant, thermal power plant, chemical plant, coal mining enterprise, and the highway. The activity of soluble guaiacol-dependent peroxidases was defined by spectrophotometry in a reaction mixture with citrate-phosphate buffer, hydrogen peroxide, and guaiacol. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used for determination of peroxidase isoforms.
 Results. It was shown that an increase in the total guaiacol-dependent peroxidase activity ranged from 6 to 22 times in the pine needles in polluted areas. Maximum enzyme activity was found in needle samples collected near the aluminum smelter, whose emissions are characterized by large amounts of fluorides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The high variability of peroxidase isoform composition in Scots pine needles under industrial pollution was revealed. It was expressed in the emergence of new isoforms in the zone of fast-moving (Rf from 61 to 100) and medium-moving (Rf from 31 to 60) items. The maximum number of isoforms (nine) was found in pine needles near the aluminum smelter with only two ones detected in the background area.
 Conclusion. Peroxidase activity and the number of its newly formed isoforms can adequately reflect the degree of technogenic pollution and trees decline. The indicators can also be used in monitoring of coniferous forests condition.

БИОИНДИКАЦИЯ ВОЗДУШНОЙ СРЕДЫ Г. ОМСКА ПО ДАННЫМ ИЗУЧЕНИЯ СОСНЫ ОБЫКНОВЕННОЙ

The problem of air pollution of the city is still relevant today. A significant increase of emissions of pollutants from the activities of industrial plants, road transport has a negative impact on the quality of atmospheric air and the environment as a whole, the health of the population. The main objective of this research is to assessment of the state of the air environment, by studying of pinus sylvestris needles, growing on the territory of the city of Omsk. For research of the state of the atmospheric air were chosen 5 key sections in the city of Omsk, where we selected samples of needles. It was found, that the severity of damage and drying of needles is uneven on all key sections, depends on the level of air pollution. An assessment of the state of the air environment was carried out, which showed, that on the territory of the Soviet park and ave. of the Culture (sections 1 and 2, respectively) relatively clean air "norm" was established, according to the third level of pollution. Cathedral square and st. Irtyshskaya embankment (sections 3 and 5, respectively) are characterized by dirty air «harmful», according to the sixth level of pollution.

Environmental Assessment of Urban Areas using Plants of Different Taxa as Indicators

Aim. Study of existing phytoindication approaches in order to determine how they can be optimally integrated and applied to the environmental assessment of urban areas. Material and Methods . The investigation encompassed 30 evenly distributed trial sites in the city of Kislovodsk, Stavropolskaya Oblast, Russia. Lichen poleotolerance, the fluctuating asymmetry of the leaves of Betula pendula Roth., the lifespan of needles of Pinus sylvestris L., and the correlations between Trifolium repens L. phenotypes were used as key phytoindicators. Results. The morphometric parameters of lichens, Betula pendula Roth., Pinus sylvestris L., Trifolium repens L. growing in the urban environment were studied. A phytoindication parameter matrix was developed as a component of an integrated approach to the environmental assessment of urban areas. The most ecologically vulnerable areas of the city of Kislovodsk were identified, and ecological zoning of the territory was carried out. Conclusion. Phytoindication analysis using reliable and valid techniques can provide a basis for an integrated ecological assessment of urban areas. In order to obtain reliable results, plants from different taxa should be used. The study has shown that the use of plant indicators in urban areas can provide timely and regularly updatable information about environmental status to support sustainable development.