No general ozone-specific indicator among the hexane- and dichloromethane-soluble components of Picea abies needles exposed to ozone in open-top chambers

The effect of ozone (< 10, 200 or 400 microg m(-3) on hexane- and dichloromethane-soluble components of Picea abies needles was determined by fumigating potted grafts from mature trees. The trees (>55 and 125 years, 2.5 m high), representing six clones of Norway spruce, were fumigated in open-top chambers at two locations in Norway for one growth season. The needles were extracted with hexane and dichloromethane; 142 compounds from the hexane extract and 164 silylated compounds from the dichloromethane extract were analysed by gas chromatography although no identifications were made. The concentration of four of the compounds from the hexane extract changed with ozone dose in a way that made them promising as indicators, but the present analytical method could not verify this possibility. None of the other 302 compounds qualified as a general indicator of ozone stress in Norway spruce, as none changed its concentration with ozone dose consistently in all romets of all clones. Most of the variation in the experiment is mainly attributable to genetic variation and to climate.     

Biochemical response of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) towards 14-month exposure to ozone and acid mist: effects on amino acid, glutathione and polyamine titers

Two clones of Norway spruce were exposed to elevated ozone levels (100 microg m(-3) with episodes of 130-360 microg m(-3)) in combination with acidic mist (pH 3.0) for two vegetation periods. The plants did not exhibit any visible injury, but levels of several amino acids and polyamines were altered in comparison with control plants (50 microg m(-3) ozone, mist of pH 5.6), the changes being pronounced in clone 14. Total free amino acids as well as methionine titers were increased in clone 14. Asparagine was significantly increased in clone 11 and less so in clone 14. Arginine, which comprised more than 50% of the free amino acids in spruce needles, was not changed by the exposure regime applied. Reduced glutathione was significantly increased in all clones/soil/needle age combinations (average increase 50%). Free soluble putrescine was enhanced by 50-200% in clone 14, but remained unchanged in clone 11. Conjugated putrescine was significantly, and conjugated spermidime was slightly, increased in both clones, whereas other polyamines did not responde to the treatment.     

A cumulative ozone uptake-response relationship for the growth of Norway spruce saplings

Norway spruce saplings [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] were exposed during four growing seasons to different ozone treatments in open-top chambers: charcoal filtered air (CF), non-filtered air (NF) and non-filtered air with extra ozone (NF+, 1.4xambient concentrations). The CF and NF+ ozone treatments were combined with phosphorous deficiency and drought stress treatments. The total biomass of the trees was harvested at different intervals during the experimental period. The ozone uptake to current-year needles of the Norway spruce saplings was estimated using a multiplicative stomatal conductance simulation model. There was a highly significant correlation between the reduction of total biomass and the estimated cumulative ozone uptake, which did not vary when different thresholds were applied for the rate of ozone uptake. The reduction of the total biomass was estimated to 1% per 10 mmol m(-2) cumulated ozone uptake, on a projected needle area basis.     

Persistent stimulation of CO2 assimilation and stomatal conductance by summer ozone fumigation in Norway spruce

CO(2) assimilation rate, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll content of current and previous years' needles of Norway spruce were measured in May 1988, 205 days after the cessation of ozone fumigation during the summer of 1987. Rates of assimilation were consistently higher for both needle year age classes for ozone fumigated trees in comparison to control trees, although only statistically significant for part of the day for current year's needles. A 26% and 48% stimulation, overall, in mean daily rates of assimilation for current and previous years' needles of ozone fumigated trees was observed. This was due to an enhanced apparent quantum yield and light saturated rate of assimilation of ozone fumigated trees. The temperature response regression of assimilation versus temperature was also greater, such that at any given temperature, assimilation was higher for ozone treated trees than control trees. Stomatal conductance was greater for ozone fumigated trees than the controls, but this was only marginally statistically significant. Moreover, there was a consistent increase in chlorophyll content in both year classes in ozone-treated trees. These results are discussed in relation to a possible long term effect of ozone fumigation upon the processes of conifer winter hardening and spring de-hardening.     

Clone and soil effects on the growth of young Norway spruce during 14 months exposure to ozone plus acid mist

Five clones of 3-year old Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst), planted in a soil from the Bavarian Forest (pH 4.4) or a soil from the Calcareous Bavarian Alps (pH 6.9), were exposed for two successive vegetation periods, in closed environmental chambers, to a pollution treatment consisting of acidic mist (pH 3.0) plus ozone levels of 100 microg m(-3) with episodes of 130-360 microg m(-3); control trees were exposed to mist of pH 5.6 and ozone levels of 50 microg m(-3). Climatic and pollution protocols followed the diurnal and seasonal pattern characteristic for the Inner Bavarian Forest in Southern Germany, an area affected by the new-type forest decline. Biometric parameters were strongly related to clone and soil. Pollution treatment had a limited effect on only a few growth parameters. The stem diameter growth increment of two clones was reduced by pollution treatment in both soils, a third clone was affected in the acidic soil only. Two other clones were not affected at all. Stem volume increment of three clones, calculated as D(2)H, was reduced by pollution treatment in the neutral soil, a fourth clone was affected in the acidic soil only. Bud break was either delayed (two clones) or accelerated (two other clones) by treatment. Depending on soil and clone, needle yellowing was observed in previous years' needles in both treatment and control trees exposed to increased light intensities. The 'spotted' yellowing was not identical to symptoms found in forest decline areas and was most likely a consequence of nutrient deficiencies during the vegetation period preceding the experiment. The results of this experiment are discussed with regard to field observations and forest productivity. The complex pattern of growth responses resulting from interactions between air pollution, soil and genetic factors is considered to reflect different susceptibilities of trees to air pollutants.     

Effects of low-level long-term ozone fumigation and acid mist on photosynthesis and stomata of clonal Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.)

Four clones of 3-year-old Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), grown on two soils, were from July 1986 to September 1987 exposed to ozone fumigation (50 microg m(-3) as a control, 100 microg m(-3) plus peaks between 130 and 360 microg m(-3) as treatment) and acid mist of pH 3.0 (versus mist pH 5.6 in the control). Climatic conditions, identical for both control and treatment, followed a diurnal and seasonal pattern characteristic of medium high altitudes of the Bavarian Forest, an area affected by the new-type forest decline. Gas-exchange measurements were carried out on the plants from December 1986 until the end of the 14-month's exposure using a series of climate-controlled minicuvettes. ANOVA of the four clones investigated towards the end of the experiment gave hints of a treatment-related depression of the photosynthetic capacity of the previous year's needles (age-class 1986). Within this age-class only one of the clones (11) showed a significant treatment effect, indicating an age-class dependence and a genetic influence of the treatment-related depression of the photosynthetic capacity. The current year's flush was not impaired through the ozone and acid mist exposure. Analysis also revealed clear effects of soil, clone and needle age on photosynthetic parameters.     

Regional variation in surface properties of Norway spruce and scots pine needles in relation to forest decline

Measurements of leaf wettability (contact angle), amounts of epicuticular wax and of surface dust are reported for Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L) Karst) trees growing at 12 sites in Europe from SW Germany to NE Scotland. At each site, three year classes (current year, 1 and 2-year-old) of needles were sampled from the mid-crown of up to 12 trees. Trees were selected at random from two strata, those showing visible decline symptoms (i.e. loss of needles or discoloration) and those apparently healthy. Needles for analysis were taken from apparently healthy (green) shoots in both cases. There were no significant differences between 'declining' and 'healthy' trees within sites, suggesting that leaf surface properties reflect environmental exposure rather than plant response. There were significant differences between sites, particularly for Norway spruce, which may be related to environmental factors including air pollution. Contact angles were consistently smaller at low-altitude sites in Britain and The Netherlands than at high-altitude sites in Germany where forests show decline symptoms. Leaf wettability decreased (contact angles increased) with wax amount and increased with dust amount. Leaf surface properties integrate environmental influences over long periods, and may be useful in identifying sites 'at risk' of developing decline symptoms, but causal relationships cannot be deduced without further direct experimentation.     

Mineral and nutrient supply, content and leaching in Norway spruce exposed for 14 months to ozone and acid mist

The nutrient contents of an acid and a calcareous soil, as well as the foliar contents of four clones of Norway spruce grown on these soils, were evaluated during a 14-month exposure to low level ozone (100 microg m(-3) + peaks between 130 and 360 microg m(-3)) plus acid mist (pH 3.0). Whilst distinct differences could be established between and within clones depending on soil types and genotype, only few pollutant-related effects were observed. Leaching losses from foliage were generally low compared to field studies. The data obtained with young trees in an artificial environment do not support the hypothesis that enhanced leaching from foliage may contribute to nutrient deficiencies in mature stands of Norway spruce.     

Ozone-induced changes in the chloroplast structure of conifer needles, and their use in ozone diagnostics

Ozone induces characteristic symptoms in the chloroplasts of the needles of several coniferous species. Chloroplasts are (1) reduced in size and (2) the stroma is electron dense. Moreover, (3) these chloroplast alterations are more pronounced in the outer mesophyll cell layers and in the upper side of the needle compared to the inner layers and lower side. The syndrome, including the three symptoms (1)-(3), is found in the green needles of Scots pine and Norway spruce not only in the experimental fumigations, but also in mature trees in the field, and has potential for diagnosis of ozone stress. For sound ozone diagnostics all three symptoms must be present in the samples studied. The symptoms in relation to needle anatomy and physiology is discussed, and recommendations for sampling and analysis are given.     

Ozone-induced nitrate formation in needles and leaves of Picea abies, Fagus sylvatica and Quercus robur

Much attention has been paid to ozone as a major cause of novel forest decline in Europe. In combination with acidic mist, O(3) has been observed to increase ion leaching. Besides cations lake Mg(2+), Ca(2+), K(+), NH(4)(+), considerable amounts of nitrate were found to be leached by acidic mist from needles of Norway spruce. Controlled fumigation experiments, with 100, 300, and 600 microg O(3)m(-3) over 22 days continuously, have led to a nitrate accumulation of 94.1 +/- 14.8, 119.4 +/- 28.7 and 198.9 +/- 14.9 microg NO(3)(-1) g(-1) FW, respectively, in leaves of Quercus robur. Similar values were found in leaves of Fagus sylvatica and current and previous year needles of Picea abies. Nitrate levels of controls receiving charcoal filtered air were well below 40 microg NO(3)(-) g (-1) FW. Statistically significant elevated nitrate levels were observed after only 48 h of continuous fumigation with 600 microg O(3)m(-3), in all tree species tested, and after 144 h in the 100 microg O(3)m(-3) treatment. In another experiment, trees of Picea abies were kept in two charcoal (C) and two Purafil plus charcoal (P/C) ventilated chambers, and fumigated with O and 500 microg O(3)m(-3) in cabinets of each filter-type in order to eliminate NO(x) from chamber air. After 29 days of continuous ozone fumigation, NO(3)(-) accumulation in needles amounted to 102.0 +/- 37.7 and 137.4 +/- 40.5 microg g(-1) FW in P/C and C-filtered chambers, respectively. Nitrate contents of controls were below 30 microg NO(3)(-)g(-1) FW at the end of the experiment. No significant differences in NO(3)(-) accumulation between filter treatments were observed. Since NO(x) was reduced by more than 95% in the Purafil/charcoal versus the charcoal treatment, NO(3)(-) accumulation in needles can be attributed predominantly to the influence of ozone and not to direct NO(2) uptake of needles by the possible oxidation of NO to NO(2) in the presence of ozone.     

Monoterpene patterns of different tissues and plant parts of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.)

Norway spruce saplings (Picea abies L. Karst.) were exposed for five years to controlled concentrations of ozone and/or sulphur dioxide in open-top chambers. The monoterpenes of needles, twigs (bark and wood), bark and buds harvested from these trees were qualitatively and quantitatively analysed by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Different tissues and plant parts, showed notable differences in their percentage distribution. However, comparison of the monoterpene patterns of corresponding plant material obtained from trees which had been exposed to different fumigation regimes showed no significant effects of these pollutants.     

Photosynthetic and stomatal conductance responses of Norway spruce and beech to ozone, acid mist and frost--a conceptual model

Two-year-old beech and Norway spruce seedlings were exposed to a combination of ozone and acid mist treatments in open-top chambers in Scotland during the months of July through to September 1988. Replicate pairs of chambers received charcoal-filtered air (control), ozone-enriched air (140 nl ozone litre(-1)) or 140 nl ozone litre(-1) plus a synthetic acid mist (pH 2.5) composed of ammonium nitrate and sulphuric acid. Field measurements of assimilation and stomatal conductance were made during August. In addition, measurements of assimilation and conductance were made during September in the laboratory. Light response curves of assimilation and conductance were determined using a GENSTAT nonrectangular hyperbolic model. During February 1988/9 the Norway spruce were subject to a four day warming period at 12 degrees C and the light response of assimilation determined. The same plants were then subject to a 3-h night-time frost of -10 degrees C. The following day the time-course of the recovery of assimilation was determined. It was found that ozone fumigation did not influence the light response of assimilation of beech trees in the field, although stomatal conductance was reduced in the ozone-fumigated trees. The rate of light-saturated assimilation of Norway spruce was increased by ozone fumigation when measured in the field. Measurements of assimilation of Norway spruce made during the winter showed that prior to rewarming there was no difference in the rate of light-saturated assimilation for control and ozone-fumigated trees. However, the ozone plus acid mist-treated trees exhibited a significantly higher rate. The 4-day period of warming to 12 degrees C increased the rate of light-saturated assimilation in all treatments but only the ozone plus acid mist-treated trees showed a significant increase. Following a 3-h frost to -10 degrees C the control trees exhibited a reduction in the rate of light-saturated assimilation (Amax) to 80% of the pre-frost value. In comparison, following the frost, the ozone-fumigated trees showed an Amax of 74% of the pre-frost value. The ozone plus acid mist-treated trees showed an Amax of 64% of the pre-frost trees. The time taken for Amax to attain 50% of the pre-frost value increased from 30 min (control) to 85 min for ozone-fumigated trees to 190 min (ozone plus acid mist). These results are discussed in relation to the impact of mild, short-term frosts, which are known to occur with greater frequency than extreme, more catastrophic frost events. A simple conceptual framework is proposed to explain the variable results obtained in the literature with respect to the impact of ozone upon tree physiology.     

Effects of acid mist on needles from mature Sitka spruce grafts. Part II. Influence of developmental stage, age and needle morphology on visible damage

Mature grafts of five Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) clones were exposed to simulated acid mist comprising an equimolar mixture of H(2)SO(4) and NH(4)NO(3) (1.6 and 0.01 mol m(-3)) at pH 2.5 and 5.0. Mist was applied to potted plants growing in open-top chambers on consecutive days, four times a week, at a precipitation equivalent of 1 mm per day. The total exposure to polluted mist was equivalent to three times that measured at an upland forest in SE Scotland. The aim of the experiment was to characterize the response of juvenile foliage produced by physiologically mature grafts (on seedling root stock) and compare it with the behaviour of juvenile foliage on seedlings. Development of visible foliar damage was followed through the growing season. Measurements of needle length, diameter, weight, surface area, surface was weight and wettability were made on current year needles to determine whether particular foliar characteristics increased susceptibility to injury. Significant amounts (> 10%) of visible needle damage was observed on only one of the five clones. Damage was most severe on the clone with the most horizontal branch and needle habit, but over the five clones there was no relationship between angle of branch display and damage. Likewise no combination of needle characteristics (length, width, area, amount of wax) was indicative of potential susceptibility. A comparison with previous acid misting experiments using seedlings suggests that juvenile foliage on physiologically mature trees is equally susceptible to visible injury as juvenile seedling foliage. Data of budburst differed among clones, and in this experiment exerted the over-riding influence on development of injury symptoms. Foliage exposed to a combination of strong acidity and high sulphate concentrations over the few weeks immediately following budburst suffered most visible injury. The absence of significant amounts of visible damage in UK forests probably reflects the general low susceptibility to visible injury of Sitka spruce exposed to acid mist.     

CO2/H2O gas exchange parameters of one- and two-year-old needles of spruce and fir

Gas exchange was characterized in one- and two year-old spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) and fir seedlings (Abies alba Mill.) which had been exposed to low levels of ozone, sulfur dioxide and simulated rain or a combination of all three variables in open top chambers from 1983 through 1988. The gas exchange measurements were carried out in March 1988 at the end of the five year experiment. The twigs examined did not exhibit any visible sign of injury, specifically no differences were apparent between trees under the treatments of simulated acidic rain at pH 5.0 and pH 4.0. The study of carbon dioxide response curves showed different effects of the pollutants on the tree species. One-Year-old spruce needles treated with O(3) and simulated acidic precipitation pH 4.0 showed noticeable reduction of net photosynthetic rate. Exposure to the combination O(3) and SO(2) at pH 4.0 resulted in a significant depression of photosynthesis in two-year-old needles Transpiration rate was not decreased to a similar extent. No changes either in photosynthesis or transpiration were found in spruce under fumigation with SO(2) alone. These results indicate that ozone is the principal cause of changes in photosynthetic performance of spruce. It alters mesophyll response rather than reducing stomatal conductance. The specific changes that occur in the mesophyll could be diagnosed as inactivation of a carbon fixing enzyme as well as damage of the electron transport system. Fir seem to be more tolerant to ozone. No changes in photosynthesis and transpiration following exposure to O(3) alone were found. However, SO(2) fumigation, alone or in combination with O(3), resulted in a marked decrease of photosynthetic performance. Particularly, carboxylation efficiency and also maximum carboxylation velocity were depressed indicating a reduction in carbon fixing enzyme activity. No differences between single and combined fumigation treatments regarding these variables were determined. However, parameters measured to determine changes in electron transport rate showed a higher depression in the presence of both pollutants. Transpiration also was reduced by SO(2).     

Investigations on the photosynthetic system of spruce affected by forest decline and ozone fumigation in closed chambers

Investigations using chlorophyll fluorescence induction kinetics provide the parameters Rfd, L, and Ap to characterize different specifications of the photosynthetic system (PS). The application of ozone, with concentrations between 100 microg m(-3) and 2000 microg m(-3) to spruce in closed chambers yields a reduction of Rfd between 6% and 23% for the current year's needles, which indicates a reduced potential photosynthetic capacity. Further measurements on the current year's needles of spruce of the damage classes S0/S1, S2 and S3 show also a reduction of Rfd of between 7% and 14% in 2 successive years. In addition, the parameter L increases for damaged trees by between 11% and 49%, indicating a change of the chlorophyll content and of the internal energy distribution between PSI and PSII. As no effect of L can be observed with ozone fumigation, it is concluded that the change of some specifications of the PS can be simulated well by ozone fumigation (e.g. Rfd) while other specifications cannot (e.g. L).     

Increasing risk for negative ozone impacts on vegetation in northern Sweden

Trends were found for increasing surface ozone concentrations during April-September in northern Sweden over the period 1990-2006 as well as for an earlier onset of vegetation growing season. The highest ozone concentrations in northern Sweden occurred in April and the ozone concentrations in April showed a strong increasing trend. A model simulation of ozone flux for Norway spruce indicated that the provisional ozone flux based critical level for forests in Europe is exceeded in northern Sweden. Future climate change would have counteracting effects on the stomatal conductance and needle ozone uptake, mediated on the one hand by direct effect of increasing air temperatures and on the other through increasing water vapour pressure difference between the needles and air. Thus, there is a substantial and increasing risk for negative impacts of ozone on vegetation in northern Sweden, related mainly to increasing ozone concentrations and an earlier onset of the growing season.     

Role of climate, crown position, tree age and altitude in calculated ozone flux into needles of Picea abies and Pinus cembra: a synthesis

Ozone (O(3)) flux into Norway spruce (Picea abies) and cembran pine (Pinus cembra) needles was estimated under ambient conditions at six rural sites between 580 and 1950 m a.s.l. We also assessed age-related differences in O(3) flux by examining changes in leaf conductance across the life span of Norway spruce. At the leaf level O(3) flux into the needles was effectively controlled by stomatal conductance and, hence by factors such as temperature, irradiance and humidity, which control stomatal conductance. Seasonal variations in O(3) flux were mainly attributed to the course of the prevailing temperature. During the growing season, however, data have emphasised leaf-air vapour pressure difference as the environmental factor most likely to control stomatal conductance and O(3) flux into the needles. In the sun crown stomatal conductance averaged over the growing season decreased with increasing tree age from 42.0+/-3.5 mmol O(3) m(-2) s(-1) in 17-year-old trees to 7.1+/-1.0 mmol O(3) m(-2) s(-1) in 216-year-old trees, indicating that O(3) concentration in the substomatal cavities is higher in young than in old trees. Independent from tree age stomatal conductance and O(3) flux were approximately 50% lower in shade needles as compared to sun-exposed needles. Stomatal conductance was also greater in the current flush (24+/-5.6 mmol O(3) m(-2) s(-1)) and in 1-year old needles (16+/-4 mmol O(3) m(-2) s(-1)) than in older needle age classes (12+/-1 mmol O(3) m(-2) s(-1), averaged across the four older needle age classes). In trees similar in age (60-65 years old) average O(3) flux into sun needles increased from 0.55+/-0.36 nmol m(-2) s(-1) at the valley floor to 0.9 nmol m(-2) s(-1) in 1950 m a.s.l. Cumulative O(3) uptake during the vegetation period increased from 11.4+/-1.7 mol m(-2) in the valley to 14 mol m(-2) at the alpine timberline. Although stomatal conductance provides the principal limiting factor for O(3) flux, additional field research is necessary in order to improve our understanding concerning the quantitative 'physiological threshold dose' which internally can be active and can have adverse effects of O(3) on forest trees.     

Influence of soil substrate and ozone plus acid mist on the frost resistance of young Norway spruce

The needles of clonal Norway spruce grown in environmental chambers on two different soils (an acidic soil 1 and a calcareous soil 2) and exposed to two levels of ozone fumigation (a low level combined with neutral mist = control, and an elevated one combined with acid mist = treatment) were analyzed for their frost hardiness. No effect of ozone was observed on either the development of frost resistance during the hardening phase or on the decrease in frost resistance during the dehardening phase. The preliminary results of Brown et al. (1987) and Barnes and Davidson (1988), which indicated that ozone treatment predisposes plants to winter injury, could thus not be confirmed. Frost resistance was, however, distinctly influenced by the content of the mineral nutrients of the soils. The pronounced K(+) deficiency of the needles of the trees growing on the neutral soil (Alps) had less effect on the development of frost resistance than did the Ca(++) and Mg(++) deficiency of the needles of the trees grown on the acidic soil 1 (Bavarian Forest). The variability of frost resistance between the different clones on soil 1 was partly attributed to fluctuations in the mineral nutrient content of the needles, rather than to a genetic predisposition.     

Responses of spruce seedlings (Picea abies) to exhaust gas under laboratory conditions--II. Ultrastructural changes and stomatal behaviour

This study examines the effects of exhaust gas exposure on the epistomatal wax structure and mesophyll ultrastructure in needles of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) seedlings. Stomatal diffusive resistance was also measured. Two independent exhaust gas fumigations were performed: 100 and 200 ppb measured as NO(x), for 10 days and 50, 100 and 200 ppb NO(x) for 19 days. The obstructive effect of exhaust gas exposure on epistomatal wax tubules was apparent. The stomata became covered by flat and solid wax resulting from the structural degradation of the wax crystalloids. Increasing the exhaust gas concentration in the chamber atmosphere exacerbated the degradation of the wax structure. Exhaust gas exposure induced aggregation and electron translucence of plastoglobuli, swelling of thylakoids, increase of cytoplasmic lipids and slight increase of vesiculation of cytoplasm in mesophyll cells of current and previous year needles. These changes were exemplified in current year needles. Damage to the epicuticular waxes and mesophyll ultrastructure of spruce needles most likely reflects the NO(x) and volatile hydrocarbon fraction. The alterations in epicuticular waxes and mesophyll ultrastructure can be related to accelerated senescence of the youngest, photosynthetically active, needle generation. The exhaust gas also resulted in decreased diffusive stomatal resistance at night which indicates that the exhaust gas exposure disturbed the gas exchange of spruce seedlings. The results show that even relatively short-term exposure to realistic concentrations of exhaust gas in the atmosphere can induce rather severe injuries to the needle surface structure as well as ultrastructure at the cellular level.     

Long-term evaluation of the needle surface wax condition of Pinus sylvestris around different industries in Lithuania

The aim of our study was to evaluate the annual dynamics of needle surface wax erosion and wettability in Scots pines exposed to a gradient of industrial pollutants emitted from the main factories of Lithuania: a nitrogen fertilizer factory, an oil refinery and a cement factory. Decreased emissions (in the case of the oil refinery and the cement factory) were reflected in the increased structural surface area (SSA, i.e. area covered by tubular waxes) on the needles. The nearly constant amount of emissions from the nitrogen fertilizer factory within the 1994-2000 period corresponded to negligible annual differences in SSA. Annual changes in the hydrophobicity of needles on the investigated transects were small. Despite the decreased pollution within the 7-year period, industrial emissions are still causing significantly accelerated wax erosion and increased wettability in needles sampled from the stands most heavily affected by pollutants.