Effects of elevated ultraviolet-B radiation on native and cultivated plants of southern Africa.

ABSTRACT: Seventeen herb, shrub and tree species of commercial and ecological importance in southern Africa were exposed at one location to ultraviolet-B (UV-B, 280-315 nm) radiation approx. 35 % above clear-sky background (control). The aims were to assess how UV-B affects canopy area, dry mass, and some biochemical and morphological properties of leaves, and to investigate whether differences between species are related to growth form of the plants. There was no pattern of response to UV-B related to growth form. Leaves of trees had altered chlorophyll a and b, carotenoid and flavonoid concentrations, but those of shrubs or herbs did not. Non-structural carbohydrates were unaffected. Smaller canopy areas and dry masses were observed under enhanced UV-B, but these were not statistically different a

SUBMITTER: Musil CF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4233860 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature