Ecological and biological features of species of the genus Acer L. growing along the highways

Background. At the present stage of urban development in Donbass, the problem of the ecological state of the environment and the assessment of ecosystem sustainability has become particularly acute, aggravated by the impact of new anthropogenic and manmade factors. One of the priority tasks of the region is the selection of species and the scientific substantiation of the list of the main forest-forming species of Donbass.

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ecological and biological properties of species of the genus Acer L., growing in the changing climate of Donbass and anthropogenic stress.

Materials and methods. Field research and material collection were carried out in the period from 2023 to 2025 along the highways of Donetsk city and park areas. During the study, trees of six species of the genus Acer L. were evaluated. in the conditions of the steppe zone of Donbass: Acer campestre L., Acer negundo L., Acer platanoides L., Acer pseudoplatanus L., Acer saccharinum L., Acer tataricum L. The viability of the trees was assessed using the Alekseev integral scale. To assess the strength and mechanical stability of woody plants growing in an urbanized city, the following parameters were used: bending resistance, maximum permissible load and weight, relative bending resistance.

Results. As a result of the conducted research, the ecological and biological properties of six species of the genus Acer L. are described. The viability, morphometric parameters, and age structure of Acer L. plantings have been determined. From the standpoint of biomechanics of living systems, species with higher wood density and fiber elasticity, A. campestre and A. platanoides, demonstrate increased resistance to mechanical damage, which allows them to withstand extreme weather events and maintain their structure in conditions of anthropogenic impact. For plants A. negundo, from the standpoint of the anatomical features of wood and the physico-mechanical properties of tissues in an urban environment, after 35 years, mechanical stability decreases by ~60%, which affects the accident rate of such trees. A. tataricum retains stable physico-mechanical characteristics both under control conditions and in areas exposed to anthropogenic influences. This fact indicates the potential expediency of its use in landscaping projects. However, given its aggressiveness, selective rather than large-scale use is recommended, for example, for the formation of hedges or alley plantings.

Conclusion. The results obtained can be used to develop urban greening strategies, taking into account the sustainability and adaptability of various species of the genus Acer L. This will create more stable and functional urban ecosystems in a changing climate, as well as capable of withstanding anthropogenic factors and providing favorable conditions for human and animal life.