The effects of lead and cadmium on the morphological and biochemical properties of european hop-hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia Scop.) seedlings

In this study, the effect of lead and cadmium on the morphological and biochemical development of European hop-hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia Scop.) was investigated. European hop-hornbeam naturally found in Turkey (Ostry carpinifolia Scop.), is among the priority species by the Precious Petals network in Europe. Turkey is a forest tree species rather neglected so far. In this study; five from different populations naturally occurring in Turkey (Akseki, Antalya, Finike, Kastamonu, Duzce), two different heavy metal (Cd and Pb) and three different doses (150, 300 and 750 ppm) were used. The effects of applied heavy metals on morphological and biochemical characteristics were investigated. Applications were made to 1 year old rock seedlings planted in 12x25 tubes. Tube mortar is composed of 1: 1: 1 ratio of forest soil + peat + perlite. The administration was repeated every 15 days and lasted for 5 months (June, July, August, September and October). At the end of each month during the vegetation period, the proline and carbohydrate amounts of the seedlings were measured as well as the diameter and height were compared. As a result, the increase in diameter and length decreased as heavy metal dose increased in both heavy metal use. In addition, the highest height growth was observed in Akseki origin and the largest diameter development was observed in Adana origin as a result of all heavy metal applications on population basis. The best height development was observed in the Adana population and the lowest height development was observed in the Düzce population in Cd and Pb applications at 750 ppm doses in all months. Diameter development was measured at the highest Adana origin in 750 ppm dose Cd applications and at the highest Akseki origin in 750 ppm dose Pb applications. Biochemical properties of proline and carbohydrate amounts of heavy metal use in different populations were different. It was found that proline and total soluble carbohydrate amount increased as heavy metal dose increased in both heavy metal applications. In addition, the highest amount of proline and total carbohydrates were measured in the Finike population when compared to all heavy metals. In all months, the highest proline content of 750 ppm dose Cd was measured in Finike Populations and the highest proline content of 750 ppm dose Pb was measured in Kastamonu population. Total soluble carbohydrate amount was measured in Finike population in 750 ppm dose applications, while the highest carbohydrate amount was measured in Adana population in 750 ppm dose Pb applications.