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UV-A radiation effects on higher plants: Exploring the known unknown
Dolors Verdaguer1, Marcel A K Jansen2, Laura Llorens1
1Environmental Sciences Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Campus de Montilivi, C/Maria Aurèlia Capmany I Farnés, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain.
Summary
Ultraviolet-A (UV-A) radiation influences plant growth, biomass, and photosynthesis, with effects varying by species and tissue. UV-A perception involves multiple photoreceptors, distinct from UV-B responses.
Area of Science:
- Plant physiology
- Photobiology
- Environmental stress response
Background:
- Ultraviolet-A (UV-A) radiation (315-400nm) is a significant component of solar radiation impacting plant physiology.
- Field attenuation experiments are crucial for understanding UV-A's effects on plants.
- Plants exhibit diverse responses to UV-A, including altered biomass accumulation, morphology, and photosynthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological effects of UV-A radiation on plants.
- To explore UV-A's impact on biomass, morphology, photosynthesis, and photoprotective responses.
- To discuss the role of photoreceptors in mediating plant responses to UV-A.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of field attenuation experiments and physiological studies.
- Analysis of plant responses to UV-A, including biomass, root:shoot ratio, and leaf tissue variations.
- Examination of UV-A effects on photosynthesis and photoprotective mechanisms like pigment production.
Main Results:
- UV-A can both inhibit and stimulate plant biomass accumulation and alter morphology.
- Responses to UV-A differ from UV-B, indicating distinct perception mechanisms.
- UV-A induces specific, species-dependent leaf flavonoids and activates photoprotective responses.
Conclusions:
- UV-A radiation elicits complex and varied physiological responses in plants.
- Multiple photoreceptors (UVR8, phototropins, phytochromes, cryptochromes) are involved in UV-A perception.
- Understanding UV-A's role is crucial for predicting plant adaptation to changing light environments.
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