Change of Quercus robur L. acorns seedlings cytogenetic parameters under anthropogenic impact

Abstract

Abstract Long-term dynamic of cytogenetic parameters of the seedlings apical root meristem was analyzed for the Quercus robur for Central Black-Soil region. Central Black-Soil region located in the European part of Russia (geographical coordinates for Voronezh city: 51.660781; 39.200269) in the temperate climate zone. Annual climate indicators were analyzed to determine the possible influence of precipitation amount and temperature fluctuations during pollination and seed formation in the parent trees. Seed progeny cytogenetic parameters of trees growing in urban and suburban conditions were characterized by an increase in mitotic activity and the proportion of cells with mitotic pathologies, the appearance of micronucleus and residual nucleoli in mitosis. There was possible consequence of the complex technosphere negative factors impact on populations. The mitotic index for urban populations (from 6.8% to 9.5 %) was approximately at the same level for all years in long-term dynamics. There was a sharp decrease in mitotic activity (4.6 %) for the control area in 2019 compared with the data for 2008 (10.5%). The proportion of cells with mitosis pathologies in the meristems of urban seedlings was increased. There was a significant prophase-cells proportion increase among the seedlings. The reduction of number of pathologies may indicate the check-point repair system operation.