The study of the influence of atmospheric pollutants on the morpho-physiological parameters of small-leaved linden (Tilia cordata mill.)

A significant part of the technogenic air pollution is caused by road transport. To reduce its negative impact on public health, various types of plants are used, among which woody plants occupy the most significant place. They reduce acoustic, mechanical and chemical pollution of the environment. Woody plants occupy a special place. Woody plants have a large leaf surface area capable of active participating in the inactivation of atmospheric pollutants. Annual renewal of foliage removes toxic elements and compounds, and rapid growth rates increase effectiveness of use as species for urban landscaping. One of the most popular plants is the small-leaved linden (Tilia cordata Mill.). The article presents the results of the influence of anthropogenic pollution on the growth and development of small-leaved linden. For the study, plants growing in areas of the city of Orel with different traffic intensity were taken. The maximum length of annual shoots was determined in the area with the minimum number of cars, the minimum in the area with the most intense traffic of the auto transport. The reduction in the length of shoots was 25.14%. The depressing effect of atmospheric pollutants was noted during the development of the leaf blade, leaf petiole, buds and fruits. The decrease in the length of the leaf blade was 17.72%, the petiole - 4.2%. The parameters of the axillary kidneys changed significantly more than the parameters of the apical kidneys. The largest kidney mass was observed in areas with maximum atmospheric air pollution. The number of fruit in areas with maximum pollution is 8 times less than in ecologically safe areas, and the weight of fruit in these areas differs by 2 times The measurement of morphological parameters of small-leaved linden can be used as an indicator of atmospheric pollution in an urban environment.