ibclogo XVI International Botanical Congess


Abstract Number: 5914
Poster No. = 1424


CHANGES IN LEAF SURFACE STRUCTURES OF TWO AVENUE TREE SPECIES CAUSED BY AUTO-EXHAUST POLLUTION.


Amit Pal, K. Kulshreshtha, K.J. Ahmad and M. Yunus (Environmental Sciences Division, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow - 226001, India)


Effect of automobile exhaust emissions on two common avenue trees, Azadirachta indica A. Juss. And Polyalthia longifolia Benth. & Hk. have been studied with special reference to their cuticular and epidermal traits. It was observed that in the plants collected from heavy traffic density areas (HTDA), epicuticular wax was severely damaged and its morphology was significantly changed. Cuticular and epidermal structures were also altered in both the plants. A two-fold increase in stomatal frequency was observed. The lead content in the leaves was also higher in plants of HTDA areas. While the surface structural changes were significant, the phenology of these plants remained unaffected.


HTML-Version made 7. July 1999 by Kurt Stüber