Balsamic poplar (Populus balsamifera L.) and white poplar (Populus alba L.) CONDITIONS IN Irkutsk region’s urban ecosystems

Significant changes in the state of representatives of the poplar genus in urban urban ecosystems of the Irkutsk region related to global warming phenomena are considered. It was found that the climate has undergone significant changes over the period 2021 to 2024, with an increase in average annual temperatures from 1,30 to 1,50 °C. Since 2023, balsamic poplar (Populus balsamifera L.) and (Populus alba L.) plantings have begun to be affected by fungal diseases, which had not previously been widespread. Leaf blades of balsamic poplar, white poplar and, partially, aspen leaves were studied during 2023–2024, as well as a percentage of diseased plants from the total number of trees examined. It was found that after epiphytosis with poplar leaf rust (LRT), the leaves of 50…60 % of the trees were affected by brown spotting. The response to diseases of the leaves of Populus balsamifera L was abundant fruiting and increased growth. A minor lesion of LRT was noted on the leaves of Populus alba L. in 2024. The study of poplar growth in height, diameter and lateral linear growth was carried out. It was found that the increase depends on the degree of shaping of the trees, the direction of the cardinal directions. There is a direct dependence of the increase on the annual temperature course. The warmest year in 2024 saw the largest increase. There is a high growth capacity of Populus balsamifera L., which allows us to pay attention to this species as an invasive one. As a result of the research, it was revealed that the white poplar was the most resistant to changing natural conditions and fungal diseases. Also, white poplar (Populus alba L.) practically does not form shoots in the Irkutsk region and produces fewer catkins and, accordingly, fluff.