Influence of SiO ₂ nanoparticles on gametic cells of lime trees from urban area detected by flow cytometry

Abstract Silica or silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiNPs) are one of the most widely spread nanoparticles in the environment, particularly, in urban areas in the form of dust. Influence of SiNPs on plant cells is unclear. This research was conducted to test a hypothesis that plant cell relative fluorescence and SiNP toxicity differ depending on the genetic properties and environmental conditions. Young pollen cells of lime trees in the mid to late one-nucleate developmental stage were found to be more sensitive to detect the influence of SiNPs and UV irradiation. Alteration of cell relative fluorescence depending on tree growth conditions was observed. Cells from trees grown in the urban area of Rīga had much lower reaction to SiNPs in comparison with cells from trees grown in the greenhouse. Lime trees growing for a long time in urban areas have complex adaptive features to a variable environment and can used as source-material to propagate lime trees for growing in such conditions. Flow cytometry can be applied for evaluation of plant reaction to factors that affect plants in the urban environment.