Express estimation of vegetative and reproductive organs in herbaceous plants from environs of Karabash copper smelter

The article presents the results of photosynthetic parameters, pollen fertility and pollination efficiency in 5 plant species (Scorzonera glabra, Sanguisorba officinalis, Silene amoena, Seseli libanotis, Artemisia latifolia) under industrial emissions’ impact of Karabash copper smelter. Significant differences in the leaf structure (leaf thickness, mesophyll thickness) and in the photosynthetic pigments’ content of the plants inhabiting the background and impact zones of the territory were shown. A high level of pollen fertility in studied species both in control and impact sites was shown. Nevertheless, the lack of pollen in the stigma and various irregularities in the structure of pollen grains (change in the number of apertures) were revealed on disturbed territories. At the same time, the high efficiency of pollination contributes to the seeds’ fertilization and their further development.