Biological Systems: Theory and Innovation

Effects of powdery mildew (Sawadaea bicornis (Wallr.) Miyabe) on photosynthetic process in Tatarian maple (Acer tataricum L.)

Аnna Аlexeyeva*, Svitlana Sytnyk, Viktoriia Lovynska, Iryna Nikovska, Оlha Kunakh, Kyrylo Holoborodko

ann.alekseeva21@gmail.com

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Abstract

Damage to woody plants caused by phytopathogenic fungi in urban environments leads to disturbances in photosynthetic processes and reduced plant vitality, which necessitates the search for effective methods for the early diagnosis of physiological changes. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the chlorophyll fluorescence induction (CFI) method for assessing the functional state of the photosynthetic apparatus in leaves of Acer tataricum L. infected with Sawadaea bicornis (Wallr.) Miyabe. The study was conducted in September 2025 in the city of Dnipro using a portable fluorometer “FLS 10s” to diagnose disturbances in native chlorophyll photosynthesis in living leaves of A. tataricum. Measurements were performed on completely undamaged leaves and leaves affected by powdery mildew by more than 50% within the same tree, followed by analysis of the Kautsky curve parameters. The degree of leaf blade damage by phytopathogen was determined visually. Fo, Fm, Fv, the ratio of Fv/Fo and Fv/Fm, as well as the indices (Fm – Fst)/Fst and (Fp –Fo)/Fv were revealed as the most significant parameters. Analysis of these indicators allowed to identify specific changes associated with pathogenic exposure and assess the degree of photosynthetic activity violation. The results obtained indicate that CFI method using the portable device “FLS 10s” is an effective technique for rapid diagnostics of the plant general condition, and allows to perform timely detection of the negative effect of biotic factors. Thus, the analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters can be considered as a powerful and reliable tool for determining the degree of parasitic fungi influence on the host plant and assessing its functional state in urbanised environment

Keywords

plant fungal diseases; fluorescence induction; urban ecosystems; photosynthetic apparatus; biosensors

Suggested citation
Аlexeyeva, А., Sytnyk, S., Lovynska, V., Nikovska, I., Kunakh, О., & Holoborodko, K. (2026). Effects of powdery mildew (Sawadaea bicornis (Wallr.) Miyabe) on photosynthetic process in Tatarian maple (Acer tataricum L.). Biological Systems: Theory and Innovation, 17(3), 10-21. https://doi.org/10.31548/biologiya/3.2026.10
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