Growth, photosynthesis and UV-B absorbing compounds of Portuguese Barbela wheat exposed to ultraviolet-B radiation

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) 1999-01, Vol.104 (3), p.383-388
• Main Authors: Correia, C.M, Torres-Pereira, M.S, Torres-Pereira, J.M.G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Ecotoxicology, biological effects of pollution; Effects of pollution and side effects of pesticides on plants and fungi; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Growth analysis; Non agrochemicals pollutants; Photosynthesis; Phytopathology. Animal pests. Plant and forest protection; Pollution effects and side effects of agrochemicals on crop plants and forest trees. Other anthropogenic factors; Pollution effects. Side effects of agrochemicals; UV absorbing pigments; UV-B radiation; Wheat
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/S0269-7491(98)00191-2

Wheat plants ( Triticum aestivum L.) were exposed to two levels of UV-B radiation (ambient UV-B and high UV-B, simulating a 20% reduction in the ozone layer) under mediterranean field-growth conditions. After 4 months of UV-B treatment, total plant biomass of high UV-B plants was 18% lower compared to control plants. The decrease of biomass appears to be the result of changes in morphological and physiological processes. High UV-B treatment induces decreases in leaf area, net photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate and water use efficiency. Pigment analysis of leaf extracts showed increases in chlorophyll content and no effect on accumulation of UV-B absorbing pigments. The underlying mechanisms for these results are discussed. ©