INVESTIGATIONS OF CHROMOSOMAL-ABERRATIONS IN THE ROOT-TIP MERISTEMS OF SPRUCE TREES FROM THE ACHENKIRCH ALTITUDE PROFILES

The classification of chromosomal aberrations was used to characterize the 'environmental situation' of spruce trees of the altitude profile s Achenkirch. Since 1989 we have applied this cytogenetic test system in Austria and it has proved practicable and promising. The sites of t he profiles ranged from 920 m to 1686 m a.s.l. and samples were taken in spring and autumn 1992 and 1993. The results showed no effects in t he form of an increased number of chromosomal defects on the plants of the lowest site (920 m) over the whole investigation period. The othe r sites were more or less influenced. Within the sites no significant differences in the number of chromosomal aberrations could be observed . Differences in the number of chromosomal aberrations between the hig her sites of the profiles could hardly be observed. Differences betwee n the sampling dates were significant especially at the median altitud es (1240 m to 1420 m a.s.l.). At these sites the stress situation chan ged from spring 1992 to autumn 1993 demonstrated by of a decreased num ber of chromosomal abnormalities.