Enhanced UV-B and Elevated CO2Impacts Sub-Arctic Shrub Berry Abundance, Quality and Seed Germination

• Published in: Ambio 2012-01, Vol.41, p.256-268
• Main Authors: Gwynn-Jones, Dylan, Jones, Alan G., Waterhouse, Alice, Winters, Ana, Comont, David, Scullion, John, Gardias, Rosie, Graee, Bente J., Lee, John A., Callaghan, Terry V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antioxidants; Berries; Ecosystems; Flavonoids; Germination; Plant ecology; Plants; Seed germination; Subshrubs; Sustainable agriculture
• ISSN: 0044-7447; 1654-7209

This study investigated the effects of long-term-enhanced UV-B, and combined UV-B with elevated CO 2 on dwarf shrub berry characteristics in a sub-arctic heath community. Germination of Vaccinium myrtillus was enhanced in seeds produced at elevated UV-B, but seed numbers and berry size were unaffected. Elevated UV-B and CO 2 stimulated the abundance of V. myrtillus berries, whilst UV-B alone stimulated the berry abundance of V. vitis-idaea and Empetrum hermaphroditum. Enhanced UV-B reduced concentrations of several polyphenolics in V. myrtillus berries, whilst elevated CO 2 increased quercetin glycosides in V. myrtillus, and syringetin glycosides and anthocyanins in E. hermaphroditum berries. UV-B × CO 2 interactions were found for total anthocyanins, delphinidin-3-hexoside and peonidin-3-pentosidein in V. myrtillus berries but not E. hermaphroditum. Results suggest positive impacts of UV-B on the germination of V. myrtillus and species-specific impacts of UV-B × elevated CO 2 on berry abundance and quality. The findings have relevance and implications for human and animal consumers plus seed dispersal and seedling establishment.