Reproduction strategies of the silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) at post-industrial sites

Franiel, Izabella; Kompała‐Bąba, Agnieszka

doi:10.1038/s41598-021-91383-0

Cited by 10 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 51 publications

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“…Birch is one of the species of trees widely distributed in Poland, occurring in various habitat conditions, including on various soil species. Last research has shown that B. pendula has developed traits, which help to survive [ 48 ]. For this reason, it is used as a remedial plant [ 49 – 51 ], which makes it more and more widespread and conducive to use in biomonitoring [ 1 , 51 , 52 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Antioxidant activities in relation to the transport of heavy metals from the soil to different parts of Betula pendula (Roth.)

et al. 2023

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Background Birch is a tree with a common occurrence in the environment and its organs are used in the form of herbal material. An important aspect of this study is birch pollen, which is a problem for allergy sufferers, and due to a variety of environmental conditions, its allergenicity may increase. Among the organs studied, inflorescences deserve attention, which, as seen from an overview of the literature, are analysed for the content of heavy metals for the first time in this study. Results This paper investigated the relationship between antioxidant properties and the content of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni and Cr) as the plant's response to stress, taking into account both the vegetative and generative organs of the tree Betula pendula. While studying the accumulation of elements in individual organs, the research was extended to include the aspect of different environmental conditions, reflected in two soil types of differing physicochemical properties: sandy and silty soils. In order to thoroughly analyse the transport of the studied heavy metals from the soil to individual organs (leaves, inflorescences and pollen), ecotoxicological indicators were used. A modified translocation factor (TF) index into sTF (sap translocation factor) was presented as a novelty in research, calculated based on the content of selected heavy metals in the sap flowing to individual birch organs. This allowed for a more complete description of the transport of elements in the aerial parts of plants, indicating the accumulation of zinc and cadmium, especially in leaves. Among the studied environmental conditions which may affect the accumulation of heavy metals, sandy soil is of particular significance, conditioning lower pH values, among other things. However, analysis of the reaction of birch to the conditions of the soil environment and the content of heavy metals, based on antioxidant properties, demonstrated an evident reaction to stress, but without an unambiguous response among the studied vegetative and generative organs. Conclusions As birch is a plant with wide utility values, monitoring studies are advisable to exclude the risk of accumulation of heavy metals in its organs, and for this purpose it may be useful to use the sTF indicator and assess the antioxidant potential.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Antioxidant activities in relation to the transport of heavy metals from the soil to different parts of Betula pendula (Roth.)

et al. 2023

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“…Moreover, the results of dendroclimatological research obtained for birch from the area of Upper Silesia, showing mainly the influence of summer temperatures and drought stress, are slightly different than for pine and oaks, for which the highest dependence on winter temperature was obtained, as well as the second-highest dependence on rainfall conditions in summer [ 32 , 33 ]. On the other hand, it was found that the birches on the heaps are characterised by lower biometric parameters and reproductive abilities than the reference trees [ 34 ]. Additionally, birch trees exposed to heavy metals had leaves that were twice as thick as those of the reference trees ( Table 1 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Drought and Heavy Metal Contamination on Growth and Photosynthesis of Silver Birch Trees Growing on Post-Industrial Heaps

Sitko

Opała‐Owczarek

Jemioła

et al. 2021

Cells

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Silver birch trees (Betula pendula Roth) are a pioneering species in post-industrial habitats, and have been associated with an expansive breeding strategy and low habitat requirements. We conducted ecophysiological and dendroclimatological studies to check whether there are any features of which the modification enables birch trees to colonise extreme habitats successfully. We characterised the efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus, the gas exchange, the content of pigments in leaves, and the growth (leaf thickness and tree-ring width) of birch trees on a post-coal mine heap, a post-smelter heap, and a reference site. Birch growth was limited mainly by temperature and water availability during summer, and the leaves of the birch growing on post-industrial heaps were significantly thicker than the reference leaves. Moreover, birch trees growing on heaps were characterised by a significantly higher content of flavonols and anthocyanins in leaves and higher non-photochemical quenching. In addition, birches growing on the post-coal mine heap accumulated a concentration of Mn in their leaves, which is highly toxic for most plant species. Increasing the thickness of leaves, and the content of flavonols and anthocyanins, as well as efficient non-photochemical quenching seem to be important features that improve the colonization of extreme habitats by birches.

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Soil organic matter transformation influenced by silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) succession on abandoned from agricultural production sandy soil

Jończak

Oktaba²,

Pawłowicz³

et al. 2022

Eur J Forest Res

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A chronosequence approach was applied to evaluate the effects of silver birch succession on soil organic matter (SOM). The studies covered five plots (arable field [AF], fallow [FA] and three birch stands aged 8, 33 and 40 years), and all located in the same complex of Brunic Arenosols in central Poland. The O and A horizons of the soils were sampled and analysed using the standard procedures in soil science. It was found that the birch succession was accompanied by dynamic changes in the stock and quality of the SOM. The transition from AF to FA soils did not significantly change the content or pool of SOM in the A horizon; however, it did modify its fractional composition and internal structure. This was reflected by an increase in the humic acids content and a decrease in the fulvic acid, as well as in the values of the elemental and 13C-NMR analyses. Rapid losses in the SOM content and stock in the A horizon were recorded after entering the silver birch. The soils under the young birches were characterised by lower contents of low-molecular humus fractions, which are more susceptible to microbial degradation, than the FA soils. In addition, the birch succession contributed to a lower internal oxidation of the humic acids and an increase in the content of aliphatic structures in their molecules. The next stages of succession were characterised by gradually increasing SOM contents and stocks, accompanied by the increasing internal oxidation and maturity of the humic acids.

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Reproduction strategies of the silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) at post-industrial sites

Cited by 10 publications

References 51 publications

Antioxidant activities in relation to the transport of heavy metals from the soil to different parts of Betula pendula (Roth.)

Antioxidant activities in relation to the transport of heavy metals from the soil to different parts of Betula pendula (Roth.)

Effect of Drought and Heavy Metal Contamination on Growth and Photosynthesis of Silver Birch Trees Growing on Post-Industrial Heaps

Soil organic matter transformation influenced by silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) succession on abandoned from agricultural production sandy soil

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