The paper discusses the results of complex studies, dealing with use of the phenomenon of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) for remote monitoring of the state of vegetation cover. We outline the specific features of functional scheme of new-generation fluorescent lidar, enabling measurement of practically continuous LIF spectra from distance of a few tens of meters. We demonstrate the potentialities of lidar both for analysis of traditional spectra of chlorophyll а in wood plants and for identification of bioaerosols, being products of the secondary metabolism of plants. The experimental measurements are supported by theoretical-numerical analysis of applicability limits of the developed methods of identification under conditions of the real turbid atmosphere.