Comparative study of two spruce species in a polluted mountainous region

Tolerance to pollution and climatic conditions are compared in Colorado blu e spruce (Picea pungens) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) from two adjacent stands in the Krusne Hory Mountains, Czech Republic. The anatomy of needles was described quantitatively using image analysis, a nd the content of photosynthetic pigments, accumulation of lignin and pheno lics, and reflective properties of needles of the two species were compared . Anatomical and morphological adaptations of Colorado blue spruce needles (i .e. lower needle surface area: volume ratio) suggested greater potential re sistance to air pollution than Norway spruce. However, no difference in the degree of cell damage was recorded. Although concentrations of chlorophyll , carotenoids and their ratios were similar, lignification and phenolic acc umulation was greater in Norway spruce. The red edge inflection point, as w ell as stress indices and reflectance ratios, suggested an age-dependent in crease in needle damage of both species. Needles of young Colorado blue spruce and Norway spruce exhibit the same de gree of damage in response to air pollutants.