0000000000264272
AUTHOR
Maria Rita Melati
Stress-induced cytological and chemical adaptations in Cupressus plants from an urban area of Palermo (Italy)
We studied stress-induced cytological and chemical adaptations in Cupressus pollens and needles from the area of Palermo (Sicily, Italy), in polluted and control sites (unpolluted) of urban and suburban areas. Pollen and needle chemical composition were investigated to provide an indicator of contamination of the trees, which were also examined structurally throughout one year. The concentration of particulate with lead was found to be significantly higher in plants at the polluted traffic site. Lead is one of the worst particulate pollutants in cities, especially in the winter season. In trees from the polluted site, all structural analysis revealed displasies. Structural changes, observed…
Presence of esterase inPinaceae pollen
General esterases, like wall heterologous enzymes, may be implicated in allergenic mechanisms. We cytochemically examined the presence of these enzymes, bearing in mind thatPinus spp. is often considered a possible cause of allergies. Positive esterase results in fungus spores were found on the strip of a volumetric sampler. Data are reported here, together with the hypothesis of a possible esterase-allergenic link regarding fungus spores.
Effect of magnetic fields on seedling growth and cyto-morphogenesis inSinapis albaL.
Abstract The magnetic treatment presented in this study could be included among cultivation procedures aimed at a better utilisation of plant species. The treatment enhances seedling growth (expressed in fresh weight or in length of the hypocotyl) stimulates morphogenic events (premature differentiation of the reticulate xylem elements, increased wall thickness, reduction of the xylem diameter, increase of acid phosphatases) and renders the seedling batches more homogeneous. Our study demonstrates that exposure to weak (30 mT) magnetic fields for short periods (15, 30, 60 seconds) stimulates seedling growth.