PINUS ELDARICA MEDW. AS INDICATOR OF VEHICULAR POLLUTION

Abstract

This paper presents a study of developmental stability of Pinus eldarica Medw. in conditions of airborne traffic pollution. The study has been performed over the period of 3 years (from 2017 to 2019) in the Absheron Peninsula, Azerbaijan. The purpose of the study was to assess the morphophysiological changes in the species Pinus eldarica Medw. Exposed to pollution from motor vehicles and thus identify the bioindicator properties of pine trees. The study used morphological, physiological and statistical methods. The indicating data on fluctuating asymmetry and necrosis in Pinus eldarica Medw. was obtained in areas with varying degree of atmospheric pollution. Based on these data, ecological zoning was carried out using GIS technologies, and an environmental map of the studied territories was compiled. Species Pinus eldaric a Medw. can be used as a phytometer for the purpose of environmental monitoring.