Biotic and abiotic factors causing the collapse of Robinia pseudoacacia L. veteran trees in urban environments

• Published in: PloS one 2021-01, Vol.16 (1), p.e0245398
• Main Authors: Wilkaniec, Agnieszka, Borowiak-Sobkowiak, Beata, Irzykowska, Lidia, Breś, Włodzimierz, Świerk, Dariusz, Pardela, Łukasz, Durak, Roma, Środulska-Wielgus, Jadwiga, Wielgus, Krzysztof
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abiotic factors; Air pollution; Architecture; Biology and Life Sciences; Black locust; Botanical research; Carbon sequestration; Cities; Climate change; Cultural heritage; Dry season; Earth Sciences; Ecology and Environmental Sciences; Ecosystems; Engineering and Technology; Entomology; Environmental aspects; Environmental changes; Environmental protection; Experimental research; Flowers & plants; Global warming; High temperature; Host plants; Humidity; Landscape architecture; Life sciences; Low humidity; Native species; Natural history; Nonnative species; Nutrition; Outdoor air quality; Pathogens; People and places; Pests; Plant nutrition; Rain; Science and technology; Sediment pollution; Social Sciences; Soil pollution; Soil salinity; Soil structure; Street canyons; Strong winds; Technology; Temperature; Temperature extremes; Trees; Trees in cities; Urban areas; Urban ecology; Urban environments
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245398

Robinia pseudoacacia L. is an interesting example of how one plant species can be considered invasive or useful depending on its environment. In the past this tree species was planted for decorative purposes and for wood in Poland. For many years it was recommended in poor and degraded habitats because it facilitated late-successional plant species. The aim of this study was to verify if black locust can still be regarded as a resistant tree species in urban greenery. The health condition of old tree specimens growing along streets and in parks was compared. The occurrence of pests and pathogens on R. pseudoacacia trees was assessed and the content of mineral elements in leaves was examined. The research results showed that the health of black locust trees growing in the urban environment in Polish cities, especially along streets (in comparison to park sites), deteriorated significantly due to the interaction of harmful biotic and abiotic factors. Increased level of toxic metals (Fe, Zn, Pb, Mn and Cd) in plant tissues and the accumulation of pests and pathogens negatively influenced the health of R. pseudoacacia.