Changing the vital state of Pinus sylvestris L. as a way of surval in a technogenically polluted territory

Forest woody plants are an integral part of the ecological framework of large cities. The aim of the research was a comparative morphological and physiological-biochemical study of pine forest cultures from technogenically polluted (Voronezh, “Don” highway) and environmentally friendly territory (Voronezh region, Stupinsky test-object). We studied the distribution of variability between populations and within them by the traits of seed productivity (number and proportion of plump seeds per cone) and water regime (moisture deficiency, total moisture content, amount of colloid-bound water). It is shown that the range of variability of traits in the Stupino population is minimal. Seed efficiency of cones is high. Physiological and biochemical parameters, on the contrary, have lower modal values. This indicates that the population is in a state of dynamic equilibrium, which is characterized by stability and order. The “Moscovsky avenue” planting, on the contrary, has lower productivity, a wider response rate, and a high level of trait variability. Differences between the objects (with the exception of moisture content) are statistically significant. In optimal years, the amplitude of variability and types of structure transformation do not change, which confirms the stability of these vital states. The constancy of the traits indicates that the pine trees growing along the highway are a weak non-equilibrium system. We discuss the energy concept of plant adaptation, according to which the adaptation of a species to anthropogenic stress requires additional energy. To survive, plants are forced to switch to a less energy- consuming path of development. The non-equilibrium state provides a certain level of their stress resistance and at the same time leads to a decrease in the quality and productivity of pine forests and their seed progenies.