Epin phytohormone impact on urban bushes under air pollution conditions

Investigated influence of synthetic phytohormone epin on the functional parameters of leaves of three species of bushes (Caragana arborescens Lam., Cerasus vulgaris Mill., Lonicera tatarica L.), which are widely used for urban greening. Plants grew at moderate and strong air pollution by emissions of the motor transport (a recreation zone) and the production enterprises (industrial zone). The rate of ion release from leaf tissues of medium-aged generative individuals was a measure of changings in the permeability of cell membranes. In plants exposed to stress factors, this indicator is used for early diagnosis of functional disorders. It was shown that treatment of fourth-order shoots of plants growing in the recreational and industrial zones of the city with a phytohormone slowed down the rate of release of electrolytes into the aqueous solution. The biggest response to epin treatment had Caragana arborescens Lam., the average reaction for Cerasus vulgaris Mill., and the minimum reaction – Lonicera tatarica L. «Epin-Extra» reduced the negative impact of air pollution with gases (sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides). When analyzing the functional response to air pollution levels, a shift in the permeability of the leaf cell membrane towards an increase was observed. Treatment of plant shoots exposed to varying degrees of air pollution with epin weakened this effect. The overall resistance level of individual cells and tissues of woody plants as a whole increased in response to epibrassinolide exposure. Investigations allow us to recommend to use phytohormone epine to increase the resistance of shrubs to the negative factors of the urban area.