Cytogenetic disturbances in the apical meristem cells of the urban plantations depending on the level of anthropogenic impact

Abstract

Abstract The scope of this research covered cytogenetic indexes of the apical meristem cells of the urban plantations of small-leaved linden (Tilia cordata L.) and silver poplar (Populus alba L.) growing in the areas of different anthropogenic pollution load, such as parks, public gardens, and urban plantation areas along the municipal motorways. The cytogenetic disturbances of the linden and poplar apical meristem cells were studied based on the incidence of micronuclei and nucleus protrusions of different forms. Buds for the analysis were collected from the tree height of 1.5-2 m in the spring season, in March-April. The collected buds were preserved in aceto-alcohol, then the apical meristem cell microslides were prepared and coloured with acetocarmine. The karyological characteristics were analysed and quoted according to the method of L. P. Sycheva. It was demonstrated that the cytogenetic disturbances with the greatest incidence of micronuclei and nucleus protrusion of various types are significantly more frequent in the apical meristem cells of the small-leaved linden and silver poplar buds collected from the plantations along the urban motorways compared to the same indexes of the trees growing in parks and public gardens. Compared to the same cells of silver poplar, the apical meristem cells of the small-leaved linden buds were found to be more sensitive to the technogenic pollution of the environment. The apical meristem cells of the buds of the studied trees and small-leaved linden in particular may serve as the genotoxicity indicators of the urban environment.