DYNAMICS OF GROWTH AND HEALTH CONDITION OF NORWAY MAPLE PLOTS WITH DIFFERENT TRAFFIC INTENSITY IN KHARKIV

The article presents the results of a study conducted in 2016-2024 in two groups of Norway maple trees (Acer platanoides L.) located at a distance of about 300 m from each other. The trees of one group were planted along the avenue and are constantly exposed to vehicle emissions. The trees of the second group grow in intra-block plantings (yards). The study aims to identify trends in changes in these plantings’ diameter and health condition. At the beginning of the study (in 2016), trees in the surveyed plantings were affected by verticillium wilt (pathogen Verticillium dahliae), black leaf spot (pathogen Rhytisma acerinum) and inhabited by the green borer (Agrilus viridis). The prevalence of all types of damage was higher on the avenue with intensive traffic than in intra-block plantings, and the prevalence of spotting was the highest. Due to the dry conditions of 2017-2019, the development of verticillium wilt ceased in subsequent years.For 2016-2024, the diameter increased in both plantings and was significantly larger in the intrablock plantings than on the avenue. During the study period, the health of the trees worsened in both plantings. In 2016, 2020, and 2024, the health condition index was significantly higher on the avenue. Less growth and worse health of maples on the avenue compared to intra-block plantings are associated with the negative impact of vehicle emissions on trees growing on the avenue.The probability of maples’ health deteriorating and improving depending on their place of growth and initial health condition was calculated. The data obtained will allow optimal decisions on the necessary economic measures.