Effects of UV-B radiation on photosynthesis and growth of terrestrial plants

Abstract

The photosynthetic apparatus of some plant species appears to be well-protected from direct damage from UV-B radiation. Leaf optical properties of these species apparently minimizes exposure of sensitive targets to UV-B radiation. However, damage by UV-B radiation to Photosystem II and Rubisco has also been reported. Secondary effects of this damage may include reductions in photosynthetic capacity, RuBP regeneration and quantum yield. Furthermore, UV-B radiation may decrease the penetration of PAR, reduce photosynthetic and accessory pigments, impair stomatal function and alter canopy morphology, and thus indirectly retard photosynthetic carbon assimilation. Subsequently, UV-B radiation may limit productivity in many plant species. In addition to variability in sensitivity to UV-B radiation, the effects of UV-B radiation are further confounded by other environmental factors such as CO2, temperature, light and water or nutrient availability. Therefore, we need a better understanding of the mechanisms of tolerance to UV-B radiation and of the interaction between UV-B and other environmental factors in order to adequately assess the probable consequences of a change in solar radiation.

Enhanced biosynthesis of quercetin occurs as A photoprotective measure in Lycopersicon esculentum mill. under Acute UV-B exposure

“…Interactions with these radiations elicit a variety of morphological, physiological and molecular responses in the plants and bring about many changes such as alter the leaf morphology (Cassi-Lit et al 1997 andCaldwell et al 2003), affect photosynthesis and transpiration (Teramura and Sullivan 1994;Maxwell et al 1999;Cascio et al 2010), induce changes in plant foliar chemistry (Tevini and Teramura 1989;Teramura et al 1994), cause DNA and cellular damage, increase susceptibility to diseases, and consequently alter the pattern of plant growth and development directly affecting the yield and nutritional quality of crop plants. The ability of plants to respond to strong irradiation by the synthesis and accumulation of the compounds selectively absorbing in the UV or the visible part of the spectrum is the foundation of photoprotective mechanisms.…”

Cotton responses to ultraviolet-B radiation: experimentation and algorithm development

“…In addition to the intensive investigations on growth and physiological responses to UV-B radiation on many field crops such as bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (Deckmyn et al, 1994), maize (Zea mays L.) (Correia et al, 1998(Correia et al, , 1999Mark and Tevini, 1996), pea (Pisum sativum L.) (Day et al, 1996;Mepsted et al, 1996), rice (Oryza sativa L.) (Dai et al, 1992;Teramura et al, 1990), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (Miller et al, 1994;Sinclair et al, 1990;Teramura et al, 1990), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) (Battaglia and Brennen, 2000), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (Li et al, 2000;Teramura et al, 1990), several reviews have recently summarized the effects and consequences of UV-B radiation on major agricultural and horticultural crops, and nonagricultural species (Allen, 1990(Allen, , 1994Allen et al, 1998;Caldwell et al, 1998;Groth and Krupa, 2000;Krupa and Kickert, 1989;Teramura and Sullivan, 1994). The inferences from these studies and reviews are that plant sensitivities to UV-B radiation differ among species and cultivars within a species; however, little is known about the responses of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), a major economic crop grown on over 32 Mha worldwide and over 5 Mha in the United States (http://www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/cotton).…”

Growth and photosynthetic responses of Picea asperata seedlings to enhanced ultraviolet-B and to nitrogen supply

“…Musil et al (2003) reported that photosynthesis of legume was unaffected by enhanced UV-B, whereas Correia et al (2005) reported that photosynthesis of maize was inhibited by enhanced UV-B. The depression of photosynthesis induced by e n h a n c e d U V-B includes direct and indirect causes: direct depression is from the down-regulation of photosynthetic genes, photomodification of chloroplast thylakoid membranes (Strid et al, 1994), damage to photosystem II (Bornman, 1989) and the inhibition of photosynthetic enzymes (Murthy and Rajagopal, 1995); the indirect effects are linked to altered stomatal function, photosynthetic pigments, leaf and canopy morphology (Teramura and Sullivan, 1994).…”