ECOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF ADAPTATION OF THE INTRODUCED PLANTS (CONIFEROUS TREES) IN THE MIDDLE VOLGA REGION

Abstract

Nowadays plant introduction helps to solve an important problem of biodiversity by means of introduction of economically valuable species. The problem is possible to be solved in case of extensive study of the introduced plants in the new climatic conditions. The goal of the research is to assess the level of adaptation of the introduced plants (coniferous trees) and to reveal the variability of  characteristics of their conditions by physiological and bioelectric characteristics in the Middle Volga region. Research technique. The size and the wet of needles and  outgrowths, the content of chlorophyll, bioelectric characteristics were determined. Measurement of bioelectric potential was carried out by high-resistance millivoltmeter of direct current with the usage of platinum electrodes (Extra-999). Electric impedance of the close to the cambial complex of tissues was measured by Ц4314 device on a frequency of 500 Hz, chlorophyll content was measured with the use of photoelectroncolorimetric method. Result.  Coefficient of variability of wet in needles and outgrowths for all the studied species varies within 2…21 %.  Swiss mountain pine and  Balkan pine are of more stable wet needle characteristics. The connection between the wet of plant tissue and the value of  impedance of the close to the cambial complex of tissues is very dense and reverse (r = -0.85…-0.90). Trees-leaders have the following impedance parameters: 16.4…21.9 kOhm , the  impedance parameters  for weak trees are 2–3 times higher.  The content of chlorophyll  in Siberian larch, Siberian cedar, Weymouth pine is close to the content of chlorophyll  in the local species ( 1.2…2.2 mg\g of dry mass); besides, they form productive plantations. Leading trees have high values of bioelectric potential (180…200 mV), the values of bioelectric potential of weak trees is much lower - 60…70 mV. Conclusion. The carried out research proves the necessity to have an early express- diagnostics of living conditions and selection of the most perspective, sustainable biotypes depending on the chlorophyll content, impedance of the close to the cambial complex of tissues  and bioelectric potential, characterizing the intensity of metabolic processes.