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Ultraviolet radiation causes leaf warming due to partial stomatal closure
Tom B Williams1, Ian C Dodd1, Wagdy Y Sobeih2
1Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK.
Ultraviolet radiation exposure causes plants to partially close their stomata, leading to significant increases in leaf temperature. This plant response, observed in tomato plants, has implications for crop production.
Area of Science:
- Plant physiology
- Environmental science
- Horticulture
Background:
- Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) influences plant development and physiology.
- Plant responses to UVR range from cellular to whole-plant levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of ultraviolet radiation exposure on plant leaf temperature.
- To determine the role of stomatal closure in UVR-induced leaf temperature changes.
Main Methods:
- Field experiments with UVR-attenuating filters.
- Controlled environment experiments using fluorescent lamps for UVR treatment.
- Measurement of stomatal conductance and leaf temperature.
Main Results:
- UVR exposure significantly decreased stomatal conductance and increased leaf temperature by up to 1.5°C in tomato plants.
- Leaf warming due to decreased stomatal conductance was observed across different experimental setups.
- The observed leaf warming was independent of direct UVR warming effects.
Conclusions:
- Partial stomatal closure induced by UVR exposure is a key factor in significant leaf warming.
- UVR-induced leaf warming has potential implications for horticultural crop production.
- Understanding this response is crucial for broader plant science research on UVR effects.
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