Pollen viability of some woody plants species in Donetsk agglomeration

Abstract

Data on the sterility and viability of woody plants pollen grains in the Donetsk urban agglomeration are presented. The study object was pollen samples of woody plant species used in landscaping in Donetsk such as black poplar (Populus nigra L.), white willow (Salix alba L.), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.), Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth). On the studied sites, it has been established that the sterility of pollen grains ranges from 16 to 44 %, and the viability ranges from 49 to 96%, which is a critical indicator indicating the inability to restore reproductive function in some of the studied species. It is statistically determined that the correlation of the studied parameters (selection points, sterility, viability) characterizes the Donetsk agglomeration as an unfavorable environment for plant life. The data obtained indicate a high degree of adaptation and resistance of tree species to technogenic impact. Indicative signs of atmospheric air pollution are determined, which are typical for the Donetsk agglomeration. Under conditions of intense technogenic load, a pattern appears in the quality change of pollen grains forming pollen anomalies. An indicator that characterizes the anatomical and morphological structure of pollen grains can be used in Donetsk conditions as a complement to other characteristics when a significant level of environmental pollution is detected.