Developmental stability of a leaf of Pisum sativum L. under the influence of formaldehyde in a wide range of doses

The influence of formaldehyde in a wide range of doses on the stability of development of the third leaf of pea (Pisum sativum L.) was studied. The developmental stability of the leaf was assessed by the change in the value of the directional asymmetry of the right and left leaflets caused by the fluctuating asymmetry of these morphological structures. When subjected to a toxic agent, the studied parameter exhibited a paradoxical effect. In minimum studied concentrations, formaldehyde disturbed stability of leaf development, which was manifested in an increase in the asymmetry of the right and left leaflets. At medium concentrations of the toxicant, the asymmetry was less than the control level, which indicated an increase in the developmental stability of the pea leaf. Maximum studied concentrations of formaldehyde, close to sublethal, again reduced the stability of development of the pea leaf and led to an increase in the asymmetry of its leaflets compared with the controls.