Fluctuating asymmetry of needles as a non-specific stress indicator of scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)
The paper presents a review of studies on fluctuating asymmetry (FA) as a non-specific stress indicator, which is used, among others, to evaluate the response of pine trees to environmental pollution. This indicator describes developmental instability in bilateral structures. FA is calculated as the ratio between the difference in length of two needles of the same pair and their average length.
FA increased along with the decrease in distance from polluters. FA proved to be a useful tool to assess the effects of reclamation activities in polluted pine stands, pathogens attack, and the impact of habitat on the vitality of pine trees.
FA may be considered as an amending indicator for evaluation of health status of pine trees determined by traditional methods.
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