Effect of sulfur-dioxide on protein-SH in needles of Picea abies1

The effect of SO₂ on the SH-groups of proteins in needles of Picea abies is studied. The content of total protein SH and glutathione is estimated with 5.5′-Dithio-bis-nitrobenzoic-acid (Ellman reagent). In addition structural protein SH is measured microspectrophotometrically in sections stained with the SH reagent, mercurochrome. The results indicate that GSH and also total protein SH and structural protein SH are increased in needles of Picea abies growing in SO₂ polluted areas. Compared to needles of trees in relatively unpolluted areas average increases of 2. 33 (GSH), 1.22 (total protein SH) and 1.55 (structural protein SH) are found.     

Über die Ursachen und Kriterien der Immissionsresistenz bei Fichte,Picea abies (L.) Karst.

Causes and critcria of resistance to air pollution in Norway spruce. II. Reflexive resistance . The different reactions of stomata of resistant and “normal” spruce grafts were investigated. Resistant grafts were shown to have a more sensitive reaction by measuring water potentials and by analyzing S content in SO₂ fumigated needles or F contents in grafts exposed to polluted air. Other tcsts involving gas permeability of stomata, clecrrical conductivity of needle cxtracts and watcr content of SO₂ fumigated needles were less effective.     

Über die Ursachen und Kriterien der Immissionsresistenz bei Fichte,Picea abies (L.) Karst

Causes and criteria of resistancë to air pollution in Norway spruce. 3. Tolerance of toxic materials (“internal” resistance). Comparing relatively resistant and not resistant Norway spruce clones, an attempt was made to find differences by investigating the relation of needle colour and absorption of sulfur, needle pH-value and buffer capacity, sulphur distribution within several of their needle components and within the total plant, the ratio of organically fixed sulfur to total sulfur content of noedles, and content of sulfhydril groups, protein and chlorophyll of needles. Significant differences were shown only in buffer capacity of unfumigated needles, and in thc propornon of organically fixed sulfur before and after SO₂ fumigation.     

S-Lokalisation in SO2-begasten Fichtennadeln

Localisation of sulphur in spruce needles treated with SO₂. After exposure to SO₂ the tips of spruce needles arc richer in sulphur compounds than the bases. The accumulation of sulphur compounds results mainly in an increased content of inorganic sulphur. The analytical results explain the local occurrence of injuries at the needle tips.     

Rasterelektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen an Stomata von Fichten- und Tannennadeln nach Begasung und saurer Beregnung1

Scanning electron microscopical investigations on stomatal wax plugs of fir and spruce needles after fumigation and acid rain treatment Alterations of stomatal wax plugs of fir and spruce needles have been investigated in order to demonstrate the effects of different air pollutants. After acid rain treatment, and in addition to SO₂ fumigation, heavily melted wax crystals were observed. It is assumed that acid rain causes mainly the changes of the stomatal wax plugs.     

Der Einfluß von kontinuierlichen,niedrigen SO2-Begasungen auf den Phenolgehalt und die Phenoloxidase-Aktivität in Blättern einiger Waldbaumarten

Influence of continuous fumigation by low levels of SO₂ on the phenolic contents and phenoloxidase activities in leaves of forest trees. Potted clonal trees of Norway spruce, black alder and English birch were continuously exposed to low levels of So₂ in fumigation chambers. The phenolic content of the Norway spruce needles was increased consiberably over the controls months before the trees showed any symptoms of damage to the naked eye. Fumigated black alder had a significant higher phenoloxidase activity in the leaves; but this increase only occurred two weeks before the development of necroses. In English birch neither the phenolic content nor the phenoloxidase activity was changed against the unfumigated controls during the course of the experiment.     

Peroxidase- und Superoxiddismutase-Aktivität sowie Prolingehalte von Fichtennadeln nach Belastung mit O3, SO2 und NO2

In long-term experiments the influence of various combinations of O₃, SO₂ and NO₂ on peroxidase activity, superoxide dismutase activity as well as on proline contents of spruce needles was studied. The reactions of these parameters varied depending on the type of pollution and the needle age. Peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity were also influenced by Mg and Ca supply of the plants.     

Peroxidase-Aktivität in Fichtennadeln unter Schadgasbelastung im Freiland und in Expositionskammern

Zusammenfassung Die Gesamt-Peroxidase-Aktivit?t in grünen, optisch gesunden Nadeln der Fichte (Picea abies L.) wurde im Freiland am Standort “Postturm” (Forstamt Farchau/Ratzeburg) in Tages- und Langzeitkinetiken und bei kurzfristigen Schadstoffspitzenwerten von SO₂ und Ozon untersucht. Parallel hierzu wurde der Wasserhaushalt der Nadeln, die Klimabedingungen und Lichtintensit?ten erfa?t. Unter kontrollierten Bedingungen erfolgte eine Behandlung mit Einzelschadgasen sowie eine Kombinationsbegasung von SO₂ und NO₂ auf die POD-Aktivit?t in Nadeln eines Fichtenklons. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, da? die POD-Aktivit?t Schwankungen unterworfen ist, jedoch keine signifikanten Aktivit?ts?nderungen in Abh?ngigkeit von der Schadgasbelastung zeigt. Die Untersuchungen führen zu dem Ergebnis, da? die Gesamt-POD-Aktivit?t im überstand des Gewebehomogenats von Fichtennadeln als Indikator für eine Umweltbelastung mit Schadgasen ungeeignet ist, da die Aktivit?t dieses Enzyms von zu vielen Faktoren abh?ngig ist.

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Activity of peroxidase in spruce needles in presence of gaseous pollutants in the field and under controlled conditions

Summary The activity of soluble peroxidase (POD, EC 1.11.1.7.) in green needles of about 100-year-old trees of Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) at the location “Postturm” near Ratzeburg, Northern Germany, was studied in relation to transitory increased concentrations of gaseous air pollutants (SO₂ up to 260 ppb in winter, and O₃ up to 130 ppb in summer). Significant changes of POD activity in response to pollution could not be observed. POD activity did not show diurnal variation, but seasonal changes, and changes in response to sunlight (sun needles versus shade needles) and in relation to needle age were observed as well as great variation between individual trees. Moreover, seven-year-old cloned spruce trees were exposed to SO₂, O₃ and NO₂ in growth chambers under simulated climatic outdoor conditions. Consistent with the field studies no changes in POD activity in response to the gaseous pollutants could be observed, although the concentrations applied were higher than in the field. It is, therefore, concluded that the activity of soluble POD is not a suitable indicator for the tested gaseous pollutants.

     

Über die Ursachen und Kriterien der Immissionsresistenz bei Fichte,Picea abies (L.) Karst1

Causes and criteria of resistance to air pollution in Norway spruce, Picea abies (L.) Karst. IV. Recovery of injured needles, connections between forms of resistance and summary of results to date. Water potential measurement of resistant clones of Norway spruce treated with SO₂ showed that they recovered better than control clones or were at least not so permanently affected. From a variety of experiments on fumigation, it was concluded that reflexive and “internal” resistance were associated. The results of the series of papers so far are summarised.     

Ultrastructure of mesophyll cells of spruce needles exposed to O3 alone and together with SO2

Mesophyll cells of spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] needles fumigated for two months with O₃ alone and together with SO₂ were studied with electron microscope. The observations showed the specific type of injuries for both pollutants, the dependency of severity of injuries both on the concentration of the pollutant and the duration of daily exposure as well as enhanced effects with combined O₃ and SO₂ in the older needles.     

Photosynthesis,nutrient, growth and soil investigations of a declining Norway spruce (Picea abies) stand in the coastal region of Northern Germany

The research site, Wingst Compartment 123B, is a 68-year-old Norway spruce (Picea abies (Karst.)) stand located in the coastal area of northern Germany. This area receives high atmospheric inputs of ammonium and also has relatively high ozone concentrations (0.061 mg m⁻³).Ten trees were categorized as healthy to slightly damaged (3–29% needle loss) or severely damaged (49–71% needle loss). Apparent net photosynthetic rates were measured on detached branches at light saturation (1000 μE m⁻² s⁻¹). Needles were analyzed for chlorophyll, N, C, Ca, Mg, K, Zn, Mn and Fe.When compared to the healthy-to-slightly-damaged trees, the severely damaged trees tended to have higher rates of net apparent photosynthesis in the 1 and 2-year-old needles and similar rates in the current-year needles. All three needle ages from the severely damaged trees had higher average stomatal conductances to water vapor (g_s. Although the damaged trees had significantly less total chlorophyll in all needle ages sampled, there was no statistically significant difference in the chlorophyll a:b ratio between the healthy and severely damaged trees.Nitrogen contents of the current-year needles were slightly lower in the severely damaged trees. Carbon and calcium levels did not significantly differ between the damage classes, although the average Ca content of all younger needles was generally under the recommended sufficiency levels. The current-year needles of the severely damaged trees had significantly less magnesium (0.42–0.46 mg Mg g⁻¹) than those of the healthy trees, and all trees had Mg values in the deficiency range (< 0.7 mg g⁻¹). The severely damaged trees also had lower average potassium levels in the older needles.The annual volume increment per unit crown surface area declined with increasing crown damage. Trees with a 50% needle loss showed a 62% loss of volume increment.Soil investigations revealed conditions of high soil acidity and poor nutrient capacity. The low pH values (pH < 3.8) in 64% of all samples indicated a high risk of acid toxicity for plant roots in the investigated area.The significance of these results relative to the current ideas concerning forest decline is discussed.     

Physiologische Reaktionen der Fichte (Picea abies) auf komplexen SO2- und Trockenstreß

Physiological reactions of spruce (Picea abies) on complex SO₂- and drought-induced stress. Part 3. Responses of SO₂-stressed spruces to subsequent drought-induced stress. SO₂-stressed spruces under drought-stress showed less reduced water content, less increased osmotical potential and less restricted photosynthesis compared to spruces without preceding SO₂-stress and thus seemed to be in a better physiological situation. Their ability to retain water (in cut-off twigs) as well as their ability to withstand a quick and strong water-loss in the needle-tissue without cell-damage were reduced. Reasons for the temporarily favourable effect of a pre-going SO₂-stress in surviving a drought-stress are discussed.     

Effect of ambient SO2 levels on S fractions in Pinus sylvestris foliage growing in the subarctic

The total S and SO₄‐S concentrations of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) needles growing at a distance of 10–80 km from the metallurgical complex in Monchegorsk in subarctic Russia were measured, and organic S was calculated as the difference between them, in order to study the impact of SO₂ (3–28 μg m^?3 a^?1) on foliar S fractions. Total S concentrations of currentand previous‐year needles collected in April 1991 and July 1992 amounted to 658–2548 ppm, SO₄‐S concentrations to 99–1297 ppm and organic S concentrations to 447–1599 ppm. The SO₄‐S concentrations and the S/N ratios (0.032–0.113 on a gram atom basis) show that S in excess of the growth requirements of trees was entering the needles at all the five sites studied. Foliar K and Ca, but not Mg, increased with increasing SQ₄‐S. It is hypothesized that exposure to SO₂ concentrations of ≥2 μg m^?3 as a growing season mean together with pollution episodes of ～ 100 μg m^?3 h^?1 result in an oxidative stress high enough to damage Scots pine needles, which derive SO₂ effectively from the atmosphere, and that cellular acidification is a secondary effect.     

Einfluß von SO2 und HF auf freie Aminosäuren der Fichte (Picea abies [L.] Karsten)

The influence of SO₂ and HF on free amino acids of spruce . The influence of the air pollutants SO₂ and HF on composition and amount of free amino acids was investigated. Distinct differences in the pattern of amino acids are caused, particularly in glutaminic acid and compounds based on it.     

Einfluß niedriger SO2-Konzentrationen auf die Aktivität einiger Glykosidasen der Assimilationsorgane verklonter Waldbäume

Effect of low SO₂-concentrations on the activities of some glycosidases in the foliage of clonal forest trees. The aim was to find an early indicator of latent SO₂ injuries in a beech and a spruce clone. After exposure to 0.0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 ppm for several weeks in outdoor fumigation chambers, the activities of β-glucosidase in the beech and β-galactosidase in the spruce clone and β-l,3-glucanase in both species were significantly raised. As the beech clone was very sensitive to SO₂, an indication of latent injury could be ascertained only in the 0.05 ppm treatment where the rise of the β-glucosidase activity appeared some days before necroses. Contrary to beech, the spruce clone was tolerant to all SO₂-treatments and the enzymatical changes could be used as early indicators of latent injuries.     

Eine einfache Methode zur SO2-Begasung von Fichtenpfropflingen im Labor1

A simple method for SO₂ fumigation of Norway spruce grafts in the laboratory. To investigate the resistance mechanism of Norway spruce to SO₂ a simple fumigation chamber was used. The conditions of fumigation gave the desired range of symptom expression.     

Injury to Eastern White Pine by Sulfurdioxide and Ozone Alone and in Mixtures

Clones of eastera white pine (Pinus strobus) selected for their sensitivity to sulfur dioxide (SO₂) were fumigated in a controlled environment chamber. Sulfur dioxide alone and in combination with ozone (O₃) at concentration 5 parts per hundred million (pphm) of air by volume of each gas for independent 2-hr exposures was toxic to new needles. Severest injury resulted from a discontinuous fumigation with 5 pphm O₃ and 5 pphm SO₂for 2 hr in separate fumigations, followed 24 hr later by a 2-hr exposure to a mixture of these gases, each at 5 pphm. The rapidity of lesion development and total injury to new needles were less following a single 2-hr fumigation with an O₃-SO₂mixture than when a single 2-hr fumigation with SO₂alone was used. Ozone and SO₂reacted to reduce injury. These plants were not injured by O₃used alone. New needles receiving only filtered air or new needles on resistant plants were not visibly affected by any treatment. Acute injury induced by the O₃-SO₂mixture developed differently from injury induced by SO₂alone.     

Spruce bark influenced by SO2

Investigations into SO₂ absorption by spruce barks using artificial fumigation have proved that continued immissions of SO₂ alter the properties of bark making them capable of accumulating SO₂ up to amounts never attainable by barks grown in clean air. This can be recognized by the time lapse considering SO₂ absorption and by altered ion exchange as well as buffer capacity. With respect to the availability of the bark extracts for mapping SO₂ immissions in the field it is concluded that both conductance and sulphate content of bark extracts represent an integration covering a considerable preceding period being modified by the actual immissions.     

Histometrische Untersuchungen am Holz einer rauchgeschädigten Fichte

Histometrical investigations on the xylem of spruce after SO₂ pollution . The influence of SO₂ pollution on xylem differention in spruce was investigated. Besides such quantitative changes as reduced annual growth, qualitative changes also occur. With pollution, the percentage of latewood increases. Tracheids are shorter, possess more pits and are more frequent per unit area.     

Vergleichende Feinwurzeluntersuchungen an gesunden und erkrankten Altfichten auf zwei Standorten in Bayernein Beitrag zur Waldsterbensforschung

Fine root studies in two old growth spruce forests affected by “Wadsterben” in Bavaria. Fine roots of healthy and declining Norway spruce (Picea abies) were investigated. We observed fewer active myeorrhizac associated with affected spruce in two old growth Forests. It has been hypothesised that air pollution is dimaging the needles resulting in less photosynthate and that the reduction of active mycorrhizae is due to such an initial weakening of the tree.