Structural changes in spruce and fir needles

Needles from spruce and fir trees were analyzed for histological changes induced by long-term exposure in open-top chambers to SO(2) and/or O(3) combined with acid rain. Light and electron microscopical evaluation revealed initial structural changes in the vascular bundle of fir needles, with an increased number of crushed sieve cells in the phloem. In addition the walls of young, adaxial sieve cells lacked the typical thickening usually observed in naturally aged needles. These findings may indicate restricted assimilate translocation. The presence of SO(2) in any treatment led to thylakoidal swellings and membrane reductions in the chloroplasts of mesophyll cells near the vascular bundle. This damage pattern resembled alterations caused by nutrient deficiency rather than by the direct action of gaseous pollutants. In general, fir appears to be more sensitive to environmental stress than spruce; this substantiates the findings of previous studies.