STRESS-PHYSIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AND CHROMOSOMAL ANALYSIS ON NORWAY SPRUCE (PICEA-ABIES (L) KARST) - A FIELD-STUDY

The antioxidative defence system and chloroplast pigments in needles a s well as chromosomal aberrations in root tip meristem cells of Norway spruce trees (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) were investigated at four natu ral sites in one region of Austria. At the two higher elevated sites t he sampled trees exhibited increased contents of ascorbic acid and glu tathione together with an elevated level of chromosomal damages and al terations in chloroplast pigment ratios and concentrations. Elevated a ntioxidant contents pointed to an increased level of oxidative stress the respective trees were exposed to. Pigment depressions and an incre ased number of chromosomal aberrations indicated reduced vitality of t hese trees, that were not visibly damaged. An evaluation of possible s tress factors lead to the conclusion that in particular ozone impact w as to be suspected of playing an important role in influencing these s ites. The combination of the methods applied in this case study may pr ovide a valuable tool for the bioindication of non-accumulating, oxida tive stresses.