Anatomical, morphological and biochemical characteristics of Pinus sylvestris L. on the talc-magnezite deposit dams

The aim of the research was to study the anatomical, morphological and biochemical characteristics of Pinus sylvestris L. growing on the dumps of the Shabrovsky talc-magnesite deposit and in its natural habitat (Middle Urals) and to identify the substrate influence on plants features. The anatomical and morphological parameters of the needles were studied on cross sections using the «SIAMS Mesoplant» image processing system. The content of low-molecular antioxidants, as well as the level of lipid peroxidation (POL) in the needles were studied using standard spectrophotometric methods. Under technogenic conditions a reduction of height, annual growth of shoots and the tree trunk diameter, as well as the length of the needles were shown. In the needles of P. sylvestris, a decrease in the cross-sectional area, central cylinder, mesophyll, and the number of resin ducts also was noted. It was revealed that in needles of trees under waste dump conditions there were an increase POL level, at the same time, the synthesis of low-molecular antioxidants (proline, phenolic compounds, including flavonoids) has been activated, the total phosphorus and nitrogen content in the needls were significantly lower compared to the control plants from the natural forest phytocoenosis. It was shown that the anatomical and morphological parameters of P. sylvestris were greatly influenced by such substrates properties as the total carbon content, hygroscopic moisture, and pH. The increase of the synthesis of proline, phenols, including flavonoids, and POL products in the needles were associated with reduced values of hygroscopic moisture in the waste dump substrates.