Some morphophysiological parameters of generative parts of Lithuania populations of Himalayan balsam

Abstract

Since long time physiology and biochemistry of alien balsams is a subject of wide investigations. Impatiens glandulifera Royle is an invasive plant with impressive big flowers. Most studies are performed in Central and Western parts of Europe, till now more detailed information about this species in more northern European countries is missing. The aim of present study was to evaluate elemental composition of I. glandulifera flowers and to estimate morphometric characteristics of I. glandulifera seeds and pollens collected from various Lithuania sites differing in geography and habitats. Nitrogen concentration was estimated by Kjeldal method. For the other element assessments plant flowers were digested in the closed vessel microwave system. The determinations of metal (Mg, P, K, Al, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cd, Ni) concentrations were performed by flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentrations of phosphorous were determined colorimetrically. Pollen and seed morphometric parameters were estimated under scanning electron microscope. The obtained results showed that the mean values of elements concentrations (μg/g d.m.) in flowers of I. glandulifera were as follows: K – 3009.2; Mg – 2913; P – 295.9; Fe – 115.08; Al – 21.66; Mn – 32.52; Zn – 70.68; Cu – 10.84; Ni – 6.35; Cd – 0.77. Measurements of I. glandulifera seed morphologic characteristics showed that the size of seeds ranged in the interval 2.6–3.9 mm, intervals for width, perimeter, area were respectively 1.7–3.2 mm, 7.4–11.4 mm, 3.9–9.1 mm2. Significant differences between populations were found according to most parameters. Relations between morphometric parameters and element concentrations will be discussed.