长期增强UV-B辐射对高寒草甸植物光合速率和抗氧化系统的影响

研究了在野外自然条件下,长期增强UV-B辐射对高寒草甸3种典型植物矮嵩草（Kobresia humilis）、垂穗披碱草（Elymus nutans）和钉柱委陵菜（Potentilla saundersiana）光合放氧速率、光合色素和抗氧化系统的影响。结果表明：长期增强UV-B辐射对3种植物的净光合速率没有明显影响。增强UV-B辐射下,3种植物的叶绿素含量变化不同,Chla／b值,类胡萝卜素（Car）含量,Car／Chl值与对照相比都有升高,说明植物叶片的光合能力、吸收紫外线的能力增强以及忍受逆境能力均有增强,从而产生光保护,有利于光合作用正常进行。由于3种植物膜脂过氧化程度的不同及SOD活性的普遍抑制,植物经受了氧化胁迫。垂穗披碱草叶片GSH含量显著七升,矮嵩草的形态矮小及钉柱委陵菜GSH含量与POD活性显著上升,都能减轻它们所经受的氧化胁迫,使光合器官免受损伤。所以,这些保护性色素的积累和抗氧化系统内部的协同作用可能是高寒草甸植物光合作用正常进行的重要原因。     

UV-B辐射增强对植物影响的研究进展

UV-B辐射的增强对植物的影响是目前科学研究的热点之一。本文综述了国内外有关UV-B辐射增强对植物影响的研究现状与动态,讨论了在增强了UV-B辐射时,植物在生长发育、生理形态、光合作用、物质次生代谢、抗氧化系统和分子防御反应等多个层次的变化,同时还探讨了UV-B辐射与其它环境因素联合作用对植物的影响。并展望了UV-B辐射对植物的影响领域中值得深入探讨的问题。     

长期增强UV-B辐射对高寒矮嵩草草甸植物光合作用的影响

以高寒矮嵩草(Kobresia humilis)草甸地区的强光和天然太阳短波辐射为背景,在植物生长季每天人工增补15.8 kJ·m-2的辐射剂量,模拟平流层臭氧破坏5%时近地表面增加的太阳UV-B辐射强度,探讨高寒矮嵩草草甸植物光合作用对UV-B辐射增强的响应.结果显示:(1)长期增强UV-B辐射对高寒矮嵩草草甸大多数植物的光合作用没有明显的负面影响;其中异针茅(Stipa aliena)、苔草(Carex atrofusca)、黄芪(Astragalus sp.)的光合作用受到抑制,但棘豆(Oxytropis ochrocephala)、异叶米口袋(Gueldenstaedtia multiflora)、鹅绒委陵菜(Potentilla anserina)、柔软紫菀(Aster flaccidus)、羌活(Notoperygium forbesii)的净光合速率和表观量子效率增加,这与它们的形态特征,气孔因素以及水分利用效率有关.(2)长期增强UV-B辐射使高寒矮嵩草草甸大多数植物的类胡萝卜素含量增加,叶绿素a/叶绿素b比值和类胡萝卜素/叶绿素比值升高,这更有利于植物吸收更多的紫外辐射,减少UV-B辐射增加对高寒矮嵩草草甸植物的伤害,起到了光合保护的作用,有利于植物光合作用的进行,也是高寒矮嵩草草甸植物适应环境的一种策略.研究表明,长期增强UV-B辐射不会减少高寒矮嵩草草甸生态系统的初级生产力.     

UV-B辐射胁迫下不同起源时期的3种木本植物幼苗的生长及光合特性

平流层臭氧的减薄导致到达地表UV-B辐射增强是全球所面临的环境问题之一。UV-B辐射胁迫对植物的生物学效应研究成为继全球大气二氧化碳浓度升高对植物影响研究之后的又一热点领域。设置了UV-B滤光减弱组、UV-B辐射增强组和自然光对照组3组大田实验,选择不同起源时期的乐东拟单性木兰(Parakmeria lotungensi)、青冈(Cyclobalanopsis glauca)、山核桃(Carya cathayensis)幼苗为实验材料,测定每组中3种植物的生长量与光合特征参数,通过对比组间和种间差异,研究不同起源时期的3种木本植物对UV-B辐射胁迫的响应模式,分析3种植物对于UV-B辐射胁迫的适应性与自身起源和进化时间的关系,为"起源时间越早的木本植物生长发育和光合生理能否更好地适应UV-B辐射胁迫"这一科学命题的探讨提供一定实验参考。得到如下结果:(1)相对于自然光照条件,增强UV-B辐射胁迫对3种木本植物的地径和株高都有抑制作用;对乐东拟单性木兰、青冈的Pn和Amax有一定的抑制作用,对山核桃Pn和Amax则具有一定的促进作用。减弱UV-B辐射胁迫对3种木本植物的地径起到抑制作用,对乐东拟单性木兰、青冈幼苗的株高生长有促进作用,但对山核桃的株高却具有抑制作用;对乐东拟单性木兰以及山核桃的Pn和Amax有一定的抑制作用,而对青冈Pn和Amax则有促进作用。(2)对比种间差异,发现3种不同的UV-B光照条件下青冈的地径生长量都最大,乐东拟单性木兰次之,山核桃最小;株高生长量种间大小排序不一致;相对于自然光照条件,增强UV-B辐射强度下山核桃Pn、Amax的比值都最大,青冈次之,乐东拟单性木兰最小;减弱UV-B辐射强度下青冈的Pn、Amax的比值都最大,乐东拟单性木兰次之,山核桃最小;表明不同起源时间对植物抗UV-B辐射胁迫能力有一定的影响,但不是决定性因素。UV-B辐射增强和过滤减弱胁迫对3个树种幼苗的生长发育、光合作用、叶绿素均有影响,但不同起源时期3种木本植物幼苗光合特征参数的响应模式不一,其机制尚待进一步开展实验进行求证。本研究结果可丰富和补充UV-B辐射胁迫对木本植物的影响研究,为从进化角度筛选UV-B胁迫抗性较强的植物提供了一定的依据。     

UV-B 胁迫下NaHSO3 对红芸豆叶片的保护作用

为了减轻UV-B辐射对植物叶片的伤害, 本研究以离体红芸豆叶片为实验材料, 通过外源施加NaHSO3的方法探讨了UV-B辐射下NaHSO3 对离体红芸豆叶片的保护作用。结果表明：与未处理对照相比较, 用0.5 mmol.L-1 NaHSO3处理的离体红芸豆叶片表面褐色斑减少、边缘蜷曲及萎蔫程度降低;且能延缓叶片中叶绿素和类胡萝卜素含量的降低;使类黄酮含量升高; 叶片中过氧化物酶(POD)和抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)活性升高, 过氧化氢(H2O2)含量降低。进一步研究发现NaHSO3处理能明显延缓PSⅡ原初光能转换效率的降低;增强PSⅡ的电子传递能力, 减少叶绿体内有害自由基的产生, 减缓叶绿体内光合机构遭受破坏的程度。以上结果表明NaHSO3可能通过提高POD和APX的活性、降低自由基产生及保护光合色素等来实现UV-B胁迫下对红芸豆叶片的保护作用。     

UV-B胁迫下NaHSO3对红芸豆叶片的保护作用

为了减轻UV-B辐射对植物叶片的伤害,本研究以离体红芸豆叶片为实验材料,通过外源施加NaHSO3的方法探讨了UV-B辐射下NaHSO3对离体红芸豆叶片的保护作用。结果表明：与未处理对照相比较,用0.5mmol·L^-1NaHSO3处理的离体红芸豆叶片表面褐色斑减少、边缘蜷曲及萎蔫程度降低;且能延缓叶片中叶绿素和类胡萝卜素含量的降低;使类黄酮含量升高;叶片中过氧化物酶（POD）和抗坏血酸过氧化物酶（APX）活性升高,过氧化氢（H2O2）含量降低。进一步研究发现NaHSO3处理能明显延缓PSⅡ原初光能转换效率的降低;增强PSⅡ的电子传递能力,减少叶绿体内有害自由基的产生,减缓叶绿体内光合机构遭受破坏的程度。以上结果表明NaHSO3可能通过提高POD和APX的活性、降低自由基产生及保护光合色素等来实现UV-B胁迫下对红芸豆叶片的保护作用。     

田间增加UV-B辐射对玉米光合生理的影响

自然条件下,分别增加0(CK组)、0.01(R1组)和0.015 J.m-2.s-1(R2组)3种强度的UV-B辐射处理玉米(Zea maysL.),对重庆地区C4植物玉米整个生长期内光合作用的影响进行研究。结果表明,增强UV-B辐射导致玉米幼苗叶片光合色素含量(包括叶绿素a、叶绿素b、总叶绿素和类胡萝卜素)、Hill反应活力、气孔导度、光合速率下降,且随UV-B辐射强度的增加,玉米幼苗光合作用所受抑制增强,而玉米成株所受影响不大。     

镉和增强紫外线-B辐射复合作用对大豆生长的影响

研究了Cd^2+和增强紫外线-B(UV-B)辐射以及二者复合胁迫(Cd+UV-B)对大豆生长、光合作用、抗氧化酶活性和吲哚乙酸(IAA)氧化酶活性的影响,结果表明,UV-B辐射对大豆生长较CA^2+有更明显的抑制作用,主要是降低了光合作用,生物量减小;抑制节间的分化和伸长,节间减少,株高降低。UV-B辐射对POD、SOD活性有显著诱导作用,而Cd^2+明显颉颃UV-B对POD活性的诱导并抑制IAA氧化酶活性．在复合作用下,植物体内IAA氧化酶和POD活性较UV-B单独作用下显著降低,这两种酶活性降低会引起植物体内IAA含量升高,同时光合作用略有升高,这是株高和生物量较UV-B作用下有所增加的重要原因,复合胁迫还增强了对根伸长生长的抑制作用,根长度较对照显著降低(P<0．05)。IAA氧化酶和POD活性变化以及光合强度变化与大豆株高和生物量变化密切相关,这也是复合胁迫影响大豆生长状况的重要因素。     

增强UV-B辐射和氮素互作对植物生长代谢影响的研究进展

不同氮源条件下,UV-B辐射增强能改变植株对氮的吸收利用以及植株叶片的碳氢比和碳氮比,增加氨基酸的生物合成.缺氮条件下, UV-B辐射增强使植物叶片中SOD、POD活性增强,MDA含量增加;氮素过量时,UV-B辐射增强会降低植物对UV-B辐射的耐性.UV-B辐射增强和氮缺乏相互作用会降低叶片的光合速率、叶绿素含量、可溶性糖及淀粉含量,从而抑制植物的生长,降低生物量.该文对近年来国内外有关UV-B辐射增强与氮素相互作用对植物抗氧化系统、氮代谢、光合作用、生物量和形态结构的影响进行综述.     

UV-B辐射增强对陆地生态系统碳循环的影响

作为全球变化的重要现象之一,紫外射线B(UV-B,波长280～320 nm)辐射增强对陆地生态系统碳循环具有重要影响.UV-B辐射增强主要通过改变植物的光合作用、凋落物分解以及土壤呼吸来影响陆地生态系统碳的输入和转化输出.其他气候因子(大气CO2浓度、温度和水分)可能会促进或减缓UV-B辐射对陆地生态系统碳循环的作用.本文介绍了UV-B辐射增强的背景,综述了国内外近年来UV-B辐射增强及与其他气候因子交互作用对陆地生态系统碳循环的影响,总结了目前研究存在的不足,讨论了未来的研究重点和方向.     

不同时间的UV-B辐射对拟南芥幼苗生长的影响

以哥伦比亚野生型拟南芥(Arabidopsis thaliana)为实验材料, 用辐射功率为16.67 μW·cm^-2但不同时间(0.5、1、1.5、2、2.5和3小时)的UV-B辐射对拟南芥幼苗进行处理, 观察叶片形态, 并测定其根长、叶绿素含量、可溶性蛋白含量、丙二醛(MDA)浓度、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性及叶绿素荧光参数。结果显示, 短时间UV-B辐射可促进拟南芥根的伸长, 叶绿素和可溶性蛋白含量升高; 长时间UV-B辐射则抑制拟南芥根的生长, 使叶绿素含量、可溶性蛋白含量、叶绿素荧光参数F_v/F_m及qP逐渐降低, MDA浓度、SOD活性、CAT活性和qN值升高, 并随着时间的延长逐渐降低或升高。当辐射功率为16.67 μW·cm^-2时, 其最佳辐射时间为1.5小时。UV-B辐射作为一种环境胁迫, 其胁迫程度都是在一定的范围内, 当胁迫达到极限时, 植株都会对UV-B辐射产生一定的适应效应而使损伤降低。     

Effects of an enhanced ultraviolet-B irradiation on photosynthetic apparatus of several forest coniferous tree species from different locations

The effect of UV-B on the photosynthetic apparatus of coniferous trees: Picea abies (L.) Karst., Picea pungens (Engelm.), Pinus sylvestris (L.), Pinus cembra (L.) and Abies alba (Mill.) was investigated. Three and four-year-old plantlets coming from different latitudes, longitudes and altitudes were used. The experiment was carried out in greenhouse. Two doses of ultraviolet-B irradiation were applied: control=0, low dose=11.32 and high dose=22.64 kJ·m⁻²·d⁻¹ UV-B_BE (biologically effective irradiance of UV-B). Measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence, gas exchange, chlorophyll and flavonoids content were carried out. Response of forest trees to an increased UV-B radiation depends on species, location of place of pantalets collecting and UV-B dose. Pinus cembra, Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris from high altitude (1000 m a.s.l.) were less sensitive to UV-B than these from plain location. The altitude determined adaptation of forest coniferous trees to an enhanced UV-B radiation much more than the latitudinal gradient. Permanent discoloration was observed only on the young needles of the fir plantlets that were grown in light limiting conditions. Photosynthetic parameters were affected by the UV-B radiation. Both maximal and the steady state fluorescence of chlorophyll were reduced as a consequence of elevated UV-B in case of some species. The chlorophyll content was enhanced, increased or was not affected according to species and to locations. The flavonoids content in the needles increased with chlorophyll content at both UV-B treatments. An opposite trend was found in the control. The increased content of screening pigments in the needles of all the tested coniferous trees was detected. Picea abies and Picea pungens photosynthesis response curves to the light and to the intercellular CO₂ concentration did not change significantly under increased UV-B because of higher concentration in screening pigments in leaves. The increased concentration of flavonoids in forest litter may lead to changes in the biogeochemical cycle in the forest ecosystem.     

The Regulation of Exogenous Jasmonic Acid on UV-B Stress Tolerance in Wheat

Enhanced ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B, 280?C320?nm) is recognized as one of the environmental stress factors that cannot be neglected. Jasmonic acid (JA) is an important signaling molecule in a plant??s defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. To determine the role of exogenous JA in the resistance of wheat to stress from UV-B radiation, wheat seedlings were exposed to 0.9?kJ?m^?2?h^?1 UV-B radiation for 12?h after pretreatment with 1 and 2.5?mM JA, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), the content of UV-B absorbing compounds, photosynthetic pigments, and proline and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were measured. The results of two-way ANOVA illustrated that the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), MDA level, anthocyanin and carotenoid (Car) content, and almost all chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were significantly affected by UV-B, JA, and UV-B?×?JA (P?<?0.05) [the maximal efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry (F _v/F _m) was not affected significantly by UV-B radiation]. Duncan??s multiple-range tests demonstrated that UV-B stress induced a significant reduction in plant photosystem II (PSII) function and SOD activity and an increased level of membrane lipid peroxidation, indicative of the deleterious effect of UV-B radiation on wheat. JA pretreatment obviously mitigated the detrimental effect of UV-B on PSII function by increasing F _v/F _m, reaction centers?? excitation energy capture efficiency (F _v??/F _m??), effective photosystem II quantum yield (??PSII), and photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR), and by decreasing nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) of wheat seedlings. Moreover, the activity of SOD and the content of proline and anthocyanin were provoked by exogenous JA. However, the MDA level was increased and Car content was decreased by exogenous JA with or without the presence of supplementary UV-B, whereas the contents of chlorophyll and flavonoids and related phenolics were not affected by exogenous JA. Meanwhile, exogenous JA resulted in a decrease of CAT and POD activities under UV-B radiation stress. These results partly confirm the hypothesis that exogenous JA could counteract the negative effects of UV-B stress on wheat seedlings to some extent.     

UV-B辐射增强对两种不同抗性水稻叶片光合生理及超显微结构的影响

在UV-B辐射增强条件下,研究了两个不同水稻品种叶片光合作用系统的变化。结果表明：（1）UV-B辐射胁迫使两个水稻品种叶片总叶绿素含量,叶绿素a与叶绿素b（Chla／Chlb）比值下降,叶绿素a荧光诱导动力学参数改变,光系统Ⅱ活性受抑制,光合作用效率降低,其中Dular受抑制的程度较Lemont大。（2）利用扫描电镜（SEM）和透射电镜（TEM）进一步研究表明,UV-B辐射胁迫使水稻叶片气孔器受破坏,叶绿体结构变形,基粒片层排列稀疏紊乱,两个供试品种结构上受破坏的程度与它们光合生理受抑制的程度一致。（3）叶片边缘受破坏的程度较主脉两侧轻,这可能与硅质乳突密度较大有关。（4）两个供试品种叶片表面主脉两侧的硅质乳突数量及其受UV-B辐射影响的特性存在明显的差异,Lemont叶表面的乳突分布密度较大,且在UV-B辐射胁迫下有增加的趋势,而Dular则相反。这说明硅质体的累积特性可能是水稻对UV-B辐射胁迫的适应机制之一。     

外源NO对增补UV-B辐射下兴安落叶松幼苗叶片光合色素和叶绿素荧光特性的影响

在增强UV-B辐射下,以3年生兴安落叶松幼苗为实验材料,研究了外源NO供体硝普钠(Sodium nitroprusside,SNP)对幼苗的光合色素（Chla、Chlb和Car）和叶绿素荧光参数的影响。方差分析结果表明0.5 mmol·L^-1的SNP对增补UV B胁迫下的兴安落叶松幼苗产生显著影响。0.5 mmol·L^-1的SNP能够显著抑制增补UV-B辐射后光合色素、F_v/F_m、Φ_PSⅡ、F_v′/F_m′和qP的明显下降以及Chla /Chlb、F_o和NPQ的升高。表明了外源NO能够减轻UV-B辐射胁迫下兴安落叶松幼苗光合反应中心的生理损伤,从而增强兴安落叶松幼苗对增补UV-B辐射胁迫环境的适应能力。     

Responses of the flavonoid pathway to UV-B radiation stress and the correlation with the lipid antioxidant characteristics in the desert plant Caryopteris mongolica

Caryopteris mongolica is a dwarf shrub mainly found in grassland and desert areas of north-west China, and which can survive severe environmental stress. This study aimed to assess the responses of the flavonoid pathway to UV-B radiation treatments and its correlation to the lipid peroxide and antioxidant systems in C. mongolica. In UV-B radiation experiments, plants were exposed to UV-B radiation treatments with a intensity of 30 J/s for 1, 4 and 24 h, respectively. A control group without UV-B radiation treatment was also used. The chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, contents of chlorophyll and carotenoid, levels of lipid peroxidation, activities of antioxidant system enzymes, accumulations of total flavonoids and anthocyanins, and activities of phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL) and chalcone isomerase (CHI) under different UV-B radiation treatments were investigated. The correlations between products and key enzymes in the flavonoid pathway and the lipid peroxide and antioxidant systems were also analyzed. The results showed that chlorophyll fluorescence parameters decreased within 24 h of treatment. The chlorophyll contents decreased within 4 h and remained stable after 24 h. Carotenoid content significantly increased. The level of MDA, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POD) and the contents of total flavonoids and anthocyanidins increased, while catalase (CAT) activity decreased under UV-B stress. The activities of PAL and CHI also increased with the increased content of total flavonoids. The flavonoid products anthocyanidins had a significant positive correlation with MDA level, as well as the activities of antioxidant enzyme SOD. In conclusion, UV-B radiation induced the degradation of photosynthetic pigments and decreased photochemical efficiency of Photosystem II; increased the contents of MDA, total flavonoids and anthocyanidins; and also enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, APX and POD) and key enzymes (PAL and CHI) in the flavonoid pathway in C. mongolica. Thus, we speculate that the flavonoid pathway were involved in the regulation of stress resistance in C. mongolica.     

Thiourea mediates alleviation of UV-B stress-induced damage in the Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Abstract

UV-B radiation (280–320 nm) as an environmental stress has damaging effect on plants and its overexposure can potentially interfere with growth and development. The effect of thiourea (TU) on UV-B stress tolerance of 10-day-old Brassica juncea seedlings subjected to supplementary UV-B for 5 days was investigated. An increase in the UV-B absorbing compounds anthocyanin, flavonoids and phenolic compounds was observed in UV-B + TU treated seedlings as compared to that of control. The enhanced synthesis of UV-B screening compounds resulted in lesser damage to chlorophyll and also gain in fresh weight and dry weight in UV-B + TU as compared to UV-B alone treatment. The enzymatic activities of guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) also increased in UV-B + TU. The expression profiling of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (pal) and chalcone synthase (chs) indicated an upregulation under UV-B + TU treatment, compared to that of control, suggesting that TU treatment ensured an early and efficient induction of flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. The results indicate that TU helps in ameliorating the damaging effects of UV-B stress by efficiently maintaining the antioxidant status and attenuating the penetration of the UV-B.     

A flavonoid mutant of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) exhibits increased sensitivity to UV-B radiation in the primary leaf

The aim of the present investigation was to define the role of soluble flavonoids as UV-B protectants in the primary leaf of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). For this purpose we used a mutant line (Ant 287) from the Carlsberg collection of proanthocyanidin-free barley containing only 7% of total extractable flavonoids in the primary leaf as compared to the mother variety (Hiege 550/75). Seven-day-old leaves from plants grown under high visible light with or without supplementary UV-B radiation were used for the determination of UV-B sensitivity. UV-B-induced changes were assessed from parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence of photosystem II, including initial and maximum fluorescence, apparent quantum yield, and photochemical and non-photochemical quenching. A quartz fibre-optic microprobe was used to evaluate the amount of potentially harmful UV-B (310 nm radiation) penetrating into the leaf as a direct consequence of flavonoid deficiency. Our data indicate an essential role of flavonoids in UV-B protection of barley primary leaves. In leaves of the mutant line grown under supplementary UV-B, an increase in 310nm radiation in the mesophyll and a strong decrease in the quantum yield of photosynthesis were observed as compared to the corresponding mother variety. Primary leaves of liege responded to supplementary UV-B radiation with a 30% increase in the major flavonoid saponarin and a 500% increase in the minor compound lutonarin. This is assumed to be an efficient protective response since no changes in variable chlorophyll fluorescence were apparent. In addition, a further reduction in UV-B penetration into the mesophyll was recorded in these leaves.     

Ultraviolet-B-induced oxidative stress and antioxidant defense system responses in ascorbate-deficient vtc1 mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana

Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation has a negative impact on plant cells, and results in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In order to increase our understanding of the effects of UV-B on antioxidant processes, we investigated the response of an ascorbate-deficient Arabidopsis thaliana mutant vtc1 to short-term increased UV-B exposure. After UV-B supplementation, vtc1 mutants exhibited oxidative damage. Evidence for damage included an increase in H(2)O(2) content and the production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS); a decrease in chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were also reported. The vtc1 mutants had higher total glutathione than the wild type (WT) during the first day of UV-B treatment. We found reduced ratio of glutathione/total glutathione and increased ratio of dehydroascorbate/total ascorbate in the vtc1 mutants, compared to the WT plants. In addition, the enzymes responsible for ROS scavenging, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase, had insufficient activity in the vtc1 mutants, compared to the WT plants. The same reduced activity in the vtc1 mutants was reported for the enzymes responsible for the regeneration of ascorbate and glutathione (including monodehydroascorbate reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase, and glutathione reductase). These results suggest that the ascorbate-deficient mutant vtc1 is more sensitive to supplementary UV-B treatment than WT plants and ascorbate can be considered an important antioxidant for UV-B radiation.     

Photosynthesis performance in sweet almond [<Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus dulcis</Emphasis> (Mill) D. Webb] exposed to supplemental UV-B radiation

Due to anthropogenic influences, solar UV-B irradiance at the earth’s surface is increasing. To determine the effects of enhanced UV-B radiation on photosynthetic characteristics of Prunus dulcis, two-year-old seedlings of the species were submitted to four levels of UV-B stress, namely 0 (UV-B_c), 4.42 (UV-B₁), 7.32 (UV-B₂) and 9.36 (UV-B₃) kJ m⁻² d⁻¹. Effects of UV-B stress on a range of chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters (FPs), Chl contents and photosynthetic gas-exchange parameters were investigated. UV-B stress promoted an increase in minimal fluorescence of dark-adapted state (F₀) and F₀/F_m, and a decrease in variable fluorescence (F_v, F_v/F_m, F_v/F₀ and F₀/F_m) due to its adverse effects on photosystem II (PSII) activity. No significant change was observed for maximal fluorescence of dark-adapted state (F_m). Enhanced UV-B radiation caused a significant inhibition of net photosynthetic rate (P _N) at UV-B₂ and UV-B₃ levels and this was accompanied by a reduction in stomatal conductance (g _s) and transpiration rate (E). The contents of Chl a, b, and total Chl content (a+b) were also significantly reduced at increased UV-B stress. In general, adverse UV-B effects became significant at the highest tested radiation dose 9.36 kJ m⁻² d⁻¹. The most sensitive indicators for UV-B stress were F_v/F₀, Chl a content and P _N. Significant P<0.05 alteration in these parameters was found indicating the drastic effect of UV-B radiation on P. dulcis.