提高CO_2浓度对两种亚热带树苗叶片水分状况的影响

鼎湖山季风常绿阔叶林的主要优势乔木树种黧蒴和荷木的幼苗 ,盆栽于自然光照和人工调节 CO2 浓度为 50 0μl· L- 1或空气 CO2 ( 340μl· L- 1)的气罩中 3个月 .在各自生长条件下测定 ,高 CO2 下生长的黧蒴和荷木叶片平均气孔导度分别降低 1 3%和2 0 % ,蒸腾速率下降 2 0 %和 1 8% ,水分利用效率提高 1倍以上 ,不同 CO2 浓度下的植物叶片气孔导度和蒸腾速率日进程曲线也有明显差异 .处理后将幼苗置于自然条件下观测其后效应 ,第 7d时处理间的气孔导度和蒸腾速率皆无明显差异     

大气CO_2浓度升高对香蕉光合作用及光合碳循环过程中叶氮分配的影响

生长在高CO2 浓度 (70 0± 5 6 μl·L-1) 1周的香蕉叶片 ,其光合速率 (Pn ,μmol·m-2 ·s-1)为 5 .14± 0 .32 ,较生长在大气CO2 浓度 (35 6± 30lμl·L-1)的高 2 2 .1% ,而生长在较高CO2 浓度下 8周 ,叶片Pn较生长在大气CO2 浓度的低 18.1% ,表现香蕉叶片对较长期高CO2 浓度的驯化和光合作用抑制 .生长在高CO2 浓度的香蕉叶片有较低光下呼吸速率 (Rd) ,而不包括光下呼吸的CO2 补偿点则变幅较小 .最大羧化速率 (Vcmax)和电子传递速率 (J)分别较生长在大气CO2 浓度的低 30 .5 %和 14 .8% ,根据气体交换速率计算的表观量子产率 (α ,molCO2·mol-1光量子 ) ,生长在较高CO2 浓度下 8周的叶片为 0 .0 14± 0 .0 1,而生长在大气CO2 浓度下的为 0 .0 2 5±0 .0 0 5 .较高CO2 浓度下叶片的表观量子产率降低 44% .光能转换效率 (electrons·quanta-1)亦从 0 .2 0 3降低至0 .136 .生长在较高CO2 浓度下香蕉叶片的叶氮在Rubicos分配系数 (PR)、叶氮在生物力能学组分分配系数(PB)和叶氮在光捕组分的分配系数 (PL)均较生长在大气CO2 浓度低 ,表明在高CO2 浓度下较长期生长 (8周 )的香蕉叶片多个光合过程受抑制 ,光合活性明显降低 .     

高CO_2浓度对长白山阔叶红松林主要树种的影响

组成长白山阔叶红松林的主要树种红松、云杉、落叶松、大青杨、白桦、椴树、水曲柳和色木的幼树 ,盆栽于模拟自然光照和人工调节CO2 浓度为 70 0 μl·L-1、40 0 μl·L-1的气室内两个生长季 ,以生长在 40 0 μl·L-1下的幼树为对照组 ,在各自生长条件下测定 ,高CO2 浓度下生长的红松、云杉、落叶松、大青杨、白桦、椴树、水曲柳和色木的高生长比对照组的幼树提高 10 %～ 40 % .高CO2 浓度的幼树与对照CO2 下的幼树相比各树种蒸腾速率升降不一 ,但水分利用效率均有不同程度的提高 ,不同树种的可溶性糖和叶绿素含量对高CO2 浓度反应不一 ,反映出幼树对高CO2 浓度适应的复杂性 .长期高CO2 浓度环境下生长的阔叶树对CO2 变化反应较针叶树敏感 ,供试树种均发生光合驯化现象 .     

全光和遮阴下两种亚热带木本植物的光合作用对光的响应

以气体交换和调制叶绿素荧光测定技术测定了2年生亚热带乔木黧蒴,林下灌木九节在全自然光和17％自然光下叶片同部位的光合作用和与之相关的荧光参数的日变化。和全光照比较,遮阴下植物叶片净光合速率Pn,气孔导度gs,胞间CO2浓度与大气CO2浓度之比Ci/Ca,类胡萝卜素与叶绿素含量之比Car/Chl,光系统Ⅱ原初光[化学效率Fv/Fm 的变化幅度相对较小,种间差异较不明显,全光照黧蒴和九节Pn的口变化图式与gs,Ci/Ca类似,与Φpsll,qp的下降吻合。全光下黧蒴叶片qN和Car/Chl的口进程表现为增加,九节则下降,低的Car/Chl可能是导致强光下九节未能提高其qN的原因,正午前后,黧蒴qN和Car/Chl增大,而qp和Φpsll降低,Fv/Fm则保持相对稳定,反映其开放的PSII反应中心数目在此期间虽有所减少,但仍然维持了较高的光化学效率,提高的Car/Chl和qN则说明其肯有较强的对过剩激发能的耗散能力,此条件下九节的gs,Fv/Fm和qN下降且明显低于黧蒴,Φpsll和qp保持相对稳定但高于黧蒴的水平,表明九节的PSII反应中心活性较稳定,但强光下气孔部分关闭,较低的Fv/Fm和qN限制了CO2供应和对光能的有效利用,且未能诱导热能耗散机制的积极运行及对光合器起到保护作用。总体上说,九节对高光强反应比黎蒴敏感。     

提高CO2浓度对两种亚热带树苗叶片水分状况的影响

鼎湖山季风常绿阔叶林的主要优势乔木树种黧蒴和荷木的幼苗,盆栽于自然光照和人工调节CO₂浓度为500μl·L^-1或空气CO₂(340μl·L^-1)的气罩中3个月.在各自生长条件下测定,高CO₂下生长的黧蒴和荷木叶片平均气孔导度分别降低13%和20%,蒸腾速率下降20%和18%,水分利用效率提高1倍以上,不同CO₂浓度下的植物叶片气孔导度和蒸腾速率日进程曲线也有明显差异.处理后将幼苗置于自然条件下观测其后效应,第7d时处理间的气孔导度和蒸腾速率皆无明显差异     

提高CO2浓度对两种亚势带树苗叶片水分状况的影响

鼎湖山季风常绿阔叶林的主要优势乔木树种黛蒴和荷木的幼苗,盆栽于自然光 照和人工调节ＣＯ２浓度为５００μｌ．Ｌ＾－１或空气ＣＯ２（３４０μｌ．Ｌ＾－１）的气罩３个月。在各自生长条件下测定,高ＣＯ２下生长的黧蒴和荷木叶平均气孔导率分别降低１３％和２０％,蒸腾速率下降２０％和１８％,水分利用效率提高１倍以上,不同ＣＯ２浓度下的植物叶片气孔导度和蒸腾速度日进程曲线也有明显差异,处理后将幼苗置于自然条件下观     

不同土壤水分条件下CO_2浓度对禾谷缢管蚜种群的影响

利用开顶式熏气室研究了不同土壤水分条件下不同CO2 浓度对禾谷缢管蚜种群的影响 ,以期对未来大气CO2 浓度升高条件下不同降雨地区的小麦 蚜虫关系发展趋势做出初步预测 .结果表明 ,随CO2 浓度升高 ,禾谷缢管蚜种群持续增长 ,但以CO2 浓度从 35 0 μl·L-1上升到 5 5 0 μl·L-1时增长最快 ;禾谷缢管蚜种群大小与土壤水分密切相关 ,各CO2 浓度下均以 6 0 %土壤水分的最大 ;当CO2 浓度从 35 0 μl·L-1上升到 5 5 0 μl·L-1时 ,6 0 %土壤水分下的种群增长最快 ;当CO2 浓度从 5 5 0 μl·L-1上升到 70 0 μl·L-1时 ,6 0 %和 40 %土壤水分下的种群增长相近 ,且高于 80 %土壤水分下的增长 .据此可以认为 ,随大气CO2 浓度升高 ,禾谷缢管蚜种群会持续增长 ,从目前至下世纪中叶的时间内可能是蚜虫种群增长最快的阶段 ,特别在干旱、半干旱地区禾谷缢管蚜种群增长幅度较大、小麦受害较重 .     

山杜英和黧蒴幼苗对干旱胁迫(PEG)的生理响应

以山杜英(Elaeocarpus sylvestris)和黧蒴(Castanopsis fissa)幼苗为试验材料,利用聚乙二醇6000(PEG-6000)人工模拟水分胁迫环境,设置三个胁迫强度处理(轻度、中度、重度)、三个胁迫持续时间处理(12h、24h、36h),以不加PEG-6000的1/2Hoagland营养液中的苗木作为对照,对2个树种幼苗的叶片相对含水量、相对电导率、脯氨酸含量、叶绿素含量、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性、丙二醛(MDA)含量和可溶性糖含量进行了测定,研究了水分胁迫对这2种幼苗的影响。结果表明:随着水分胁迫强度的加深及持续时间的延长,2种幼苗叶片相对含水量出现下降趋势,黧蒴的含水量下降更为显著;2种树种幼苗叶片内相对电导率呈波动性上升,黧蒴在轻度胁迫时相对电导率有大幅增加;2种幼苗的脯氨酸含量显著增加,叶绿素含量呈小幅波动,SOD活性先升后降,可溶性糖含量呈现波动性上升;山杜英叶片的MDA含量增加较缓慢,而黧蒴叶片的MDA含量大幅度增加。研究表明幼苗山杜英比黧蒴抗旱性强,叶片相对含水量、相对电导率和MDA含量可作为评价这2种苗木抗旱性的依据。     

补增UV—B辐射对香蕉叶片光合作用和叶氮在光合碳循环组分中分配 …

补增UV -B辐射的香蕉叶片光下呼吸速率 (Rd)和不包括光下呼吸的CO2 补偿点 (г ) ,分别为0 .33μmol·m- 2 ·s- 1 和 46.5μl·L- 1 ,较对照植株分别高 5.6%和 1 0 .0 %。在较高CO2 浓度 (>340 μl·L- 1 )条件下的An/θp关系最初直线部分斜率 ,即表观量子产率 (αA)为 0 .0 2 3± 0 .0 0 7,而补增UV B辐射处理的植株则降低 1 3.0 % ,光能转换效率 (δ)亦降低 2 8.6% ,表明UV B辐射明显降低αA 和δ。在高θp(1 1 0 0 μmol·m- 2 ·s- 1 )和Ci<2 0 0 μl·L- 1 条件下 ,对照植株的An/Ci关系为An =0 .0 2 8Ci 1 .44,补增UV B辐射处理的植株则为An =0 .0 2 1Ci 1 .0 1 ,UV B辐射降低羧化限制速率。最大羧化速率 (Vcmax)和电子传导速率的光饱和值 (Jmax)亦较低 ,补增UV B辐射的叶片 ,叶氮在Rubisco的分配系数 (PR)和叶氮在生物力能学组分的分配系数 (PB)分别较对照低 8.1 %和 3.0 % ,叶氮分配到类囊体膜捕光色素蛋白组分的则略见增高 ,UV B辐射降低叶氮在光合循环组分的分配     

CO_2浓度升高对转Bt水稻生理指标的影响

通过OTC试验研究了生长60和120 d的转Bt水稻克螟稻及其对照亲本秀水11在2种CO2浓度(375、750μL·L-1)处理下的生理变化。结果表明:叶绿素a、叶绿素b、叶绿素a+b、可溶性蛋白含量以及谷氨酰胺合成酶活力等均随水稻生长而显著提高,游离氨基酸含量随水稻生长而显著下降,叶绿素a/b值在高CO2浓度下显著增加;CO2浓度升高会引起水稻组织含水量、叶绿素a和c含量显著降低,叶绿素b含量呈先增加后降低的趋势;同时,可溶性蛋白含量显著下降,游离氨基酸含量显著增加,谷氨酰胺合成酶活性初期变化不显著、后期显著降低;转Bt水稻及其对照亲本之间可溶性蛋白含量和谷氨酰胺合成酶活力差异显著,但叶绿素和游离氨基酸含量差异不显著;与亲本相比,不同CO2浓度处理下克螟稻的谷氨酰胺合成酶活力显著降低。     

CO2浓度升高对沉水植物菹草叶表型及生理生化特征的影响

 对菹草 (Potamogeton crispus) 叶在高CO2 (1 000±50 μmol·mol-1)和对照浓度(约380 μmol·mol-1)下的表型及一些生理生化指标进行了比较研究。结果表明：CO2浓度升高明显地改变了菹草叶的表型特征,外形更为粗短,叶宽、单叶面积、单株总叶面积、叶面积率、叶重比明显增加,但特殊叶面积和叶长增加不明显。线性回归分析表明单株总叶面积和植株大小密切相关。异速生长分析表明叶面积的变化不是可塑性反应,而是受植株大小所制约。此外,CO2浓度升高后植物的色素含量和一些化学物质含量明显改变。叶绿素a、叶绿素b、总叶绿素及类胡萝卜素含量减少,且叶绿素a/b也降低;可溶性糖含量增加,而蛋白质、N和P浓度降低。     

Increase in leaf mass per area benefits plant growth at elevated CO2 concentration

An increase in leaf mass per area (MLA) of plants grown at elevated [CO2] is often accompanied by accumulation of non-structural carbohydrates, and has been considered to be a response resulting from source-sink imbalance. We hypothesized that the increase in MLA benefits plants by increasing the net assimilation rate through maintaining a high leaf nitrogen content per area (NLA). To test this hypothesis, Polygonum cuspidatum was grown at ambient (370 micro mol mol-1) and elevated (700 micro mol mol-1) [CO2] with three levels of N supply. Elevated [CO2] significantly increased MLA with smaller effects on NLA and leaf mass ratio (fLM). The effect of change in MLA on plant growth was investigated by the sensitivity analysis: MLA values observed at ambient and elevated [CO2] were substituted into a steady-state growth model to calculate the relative growth rate (R). At ambient [CO2], substitution of a high MLA (observed at elevated [CO2]) did not increase R, compared with R for a low MLA (observed at ambient [CO2]), whereas at elevated [CO2] the high MLA always increased R compared with R at the low MLA. These results suggest that the increase in MLA contributes to growth enhancement under elevated [CO2]. The optimal combination of fLM and MLA to maximize R was determined for different [CO2] and N availabilities. The optimal fLM was nearly constant, while the optimal MLA increased at elevated [CO2], and decreased at higher N availabilities. The changes in fLM of actual plants may compensate for the limited plasticity of MLA.     

Responses of legume versus nonlegume tropical tree seedlings to elevated CO2 concentration

We investigated responses of growth, leaf gas exchange, carbon-isotope discrimination, and whole-plant water-use efficiency (W(P)) to elevated CO(2) concentration ([CO(2)]) in seedlings of five leguminous and five nonleguminous tropical tree species. Plants were grown at CO(2) partial pressures of 40 and 70 Pa. As a group, legumes did not differ from nonlegumes in growth response to elevated [CO(2)]. The mean ratio of final plant dry mass at elevated to ambient [CO(2)] (M(E)/M(A)) was 1.32 and 1.24 for legumes and nonlegumes, respectively. However, there was large variation in M(E)/M(A) among legume species (0.92-2.35), whereas nonlegumes varied much less (1.21-1.29). Variation among legume species in M(E)/M(A) was closely correlated with their capacity for nodule formation, as expressed by nodule mass ratio, the dry mass of nodules for a given plant dry mass. W(P) increased markedly in response to elevated [CO(2)] in all species. The ratio of intercellular to ambient CO(2) partial pressures during photosynthesis remained approximately constant at ambient and elevated [CO(2)], as did carbon isotope discrimination, suggesting that W(P) should increase proportionally for a given increase in atmospheric [CO(2)]. These results suggest that tree legumes with a strong capacity for nodule formation could have a competitive advantage in tropical forests as atmospheric [CO(2)] rises and that the water-use efficiency of tropical tree species will increase under elevated [CO(2)].     

光强对四种亚热带树苗生长特征影响的比较

鼎湖山亚热带森林优势树种藜蒴、荷木、黄果厚壳桂和马尾松2－3年生树苗,盆栽于16％、40％和100％的自然光下生长16个月．3种阔叶树无论在全自然光还是在弱光下均能较好地存活,遮光下的马尾松则出现不同程度的死亡．全光下的马尾松、黄果厚壳桂树苗的基径和树高生长大于遮光下的树苗．4个树种的侧枝数均随光照的减弱而下降．在不考虑新老叶更新的情况下,全光下的藜蒴、黄果厚壳桂单株叶片数大于弱光下的树苗,而荷木则相反．如果以全光下单株树苗干物质量为100％,那么在相对光照为40％和16％下生长的马尾松、黄果厚壳桂、荷木和藜蒴单株树苗的干物质量分别为57．4％和32．7％、73．8％和62．1％、78．0％和78．6％、93．9％和76．2％．不同光强下的藜蒴、荷木地上部分干物质量的变化不大,地下部分则随光照的减弱而下降,马尾松、黄果厚壳桂无论地上还是地下部分干物质量均随光强的减弱而明显减少．遮光下生长的3个阔叶树种树苗的冠根比（CRR）、叶重比（LWR）、叶面积比（LAR）和比叶面积（SLA）均高于全光下的树苗．马尾松为喜光树种,对阴生环境的适应能力极为有限;黄果厚壳桂为耐阴树种,在全光下仍然比遮光条件下生长较快．     

Effects of Elevated Atmospheric CO2 Concentration on Leaf Anatomy and Morphology in Panicum Species Representing Different Photosynthetic Modes

Panicum tricanthum Nees, Panicum antidotale Retz., and Panicum decipiens Nees ex Trin. were selected to represent C3, C4, and C3/C4 intermediate perennial species of Panicum, respectively. Plants grown from seed with 900 ppm [CO2] under natural sunlight and controlled temperatures (30 degrees /22 degrees C) were compared with plants grown with ambient [CO2]. The anatomy of the last fully expanded leaf of the main tiller was studied by light microscopy with computerized graphic image analysis and by transmission electron microscopy. Leaf anatomy did not change qualitatively in response to elevated [CO2], but there were changes in leaf thickness and in the proportions of total transsectional area occupied by mesophyll, bundle sheath cells, vascular elements, and sclerenchyma, according to species. The abaxial stomatal frequency decreased by 22% for P. tricanthum but increased by ca. 30% for the other two species. With 900 ppm CO2, all three species showed a considerable increase in leaf starch content (to >30% of dry matter). Starch granules accumulated in chloroplasts of the mesophyll and bundle sheath cells. Increased leaf glaucousness in response to elevated [CO2] was the result of increased or modified deposition of epicuticular wax on both leaf surfaces, a response to elevated [CO2] that is unusual and one that has not been previously recorded for monocotyledons. The wax patterns were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Panicum decipiens did not respond to elevated [CO2] in a truly intermediate fashion; its responses resembled those of either the C3 or the C4 species. C3/C4 intermediates may thus be interpreted as developmental chimeras and not as species in transition between C3 and C4 modes in an evolutionary sense.     

The Effect of Elevated [CO2] on Growth and Photosynthesis of Two Eucalyptus Species Exposed to High Temperatures and Water Deficits

Two species of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha and Eucalyptus rossii) were grown for 8 weeks in either ambient (350 [mu]L L-1) or elevated (700 [mu]L L-1) CO2 concentrations, either well watered or without water additions, and subjected to a daily, 3-h high-temperature (45[deg]C, maximum) and high-light (1250 [mu]mol photons m-2 s-1, maximum) stress period. Water-stressed seedlings of E. macrorhyncha had higher leaf water potentials when grown in elevated [CO2]. Growth analysis indicated that increased [CO2] may allow eucalyptus species to perform better during conditions of low soil moisture. A down-regulation of photosynthetic capacity was observed for seedlings grown in elevated [CO2] when well watered but not when water stressed. Well-watered seedlings grown in elevated [CO2] had lower quantum efficiencies as measured by chlorophyll fluorescence (the ratio of variable to maximal chlorophyll fluorescence [Fv/Fm]) than seedlings grown in ambient [CO2] during the high-temperature stress period. However, no significant differences in Fv/Fm were observed between CO2 treatments when water was withheld. The reductions in dark-adapted Fv/Fm for plants grown in elevated [CO2] were not well correlated with increased xanthophyll cycle photoprotection. However, reductions in the Fv/Fm were correlated with increased levels of nonstructural carbohydrates. The reduction in quantum efficiencies for plants grown in elevated [CO2] is discussed in the context of feedback inhibition of electron transport associated with starch accumulation and variation in sink strength.     

Atmospheric CO2 enrichment alters energy assimilation, investment and allocation in Xanthium strumarium

Energy-use efficiency and energy assimilation, investment and allocation patterns are likely to influence plant growth responses to increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]). Here, we describe the influence of elevated [CO2] on energetic properties as a mechanism of growth responses in Xanthium strumarium. Individuals of X. strumarium were grown at ambient or elevated [CO2] and harvested. Total biomass and energetic construction costs (CC) of leaves, stems, roots and fruits and percentage of total biomass and energy allocated to these components were determined. Photosynthetic energy-use efficiency (PEUE) was calculated as the ratio of total energy gained via photosynthetic activity (Atotal) to leaf CC. Elevated [CO2] increased leaf Atotal, but decreased CC per unit mass of leaves and roots. Consequently, X. strumarium individuals produced more leaf and root biomass at elevated [CO2] without increasing total energy investment in these structures (CCtotal). Whole-plant biomass was associated positively with PEUE. Whole-plant construction required 16.1% less energy than modeled whole-plant energy investment had CC not responded to increased [CO2]. As a physiological mechanism affecting growth, altered energetic properties could positively influence productivity of X. strumarium, and potentially other species, at elevated [CO2].     

Increased C availability at elevated carbon dioxide concentration improves N assimilation in a legume

Plant growth is typically stimulated at elevated carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]), but a sustained and maximal stimulation of growth requires acquisition of additional N in proportion to the additional C fixed at elevated [CO2]. We hypothesized that legumes would be able to avoid N limitation at elevated [CO2]. Soybean was grown without N fertilizer from germination to final senescence at elevated [CO2] over two growing seasons under fully open-air conditions, providing a model legume system. Measurements of photosynthesis and foliar carbohydrate content showed that plants growing at elevated [CO2] had a c. 25% increase in the daily integral of photosynthesis and c. 58% increase in foliar carbohydrate content, suggesting that plants at elevated [CO2] had a surplus of photosynthate. Soybeans had a low leaf N content at the beginning of the season, which was a further c. 17% lower at elevated [CO2]. In the middle of the season, ureide, total amino acid and N content increased markedly, and the effect of elevated [CO2] on leaf N content disappeared. Analysis of individual amino acid levels supported the conclusion that plants at elevated [CO2] overcame an early-season N limitation. These soybean plants showed a c. 16% increase in dry mass at final harvest and showed no significant effect of elevated [CO2] on leaf N, protein or total amino acid content in the latter part of the season. One possible explanation for these findings is that N fixation had increased, and that these plants had acclimated to the increased N demand at elevated [CO2].     

Growth and Wood/Bark Properties of Abies faxoniana Seedlings as Affected by Elevated CO2

Growth and wood and bark properties of Abies faxoniana seedlings after one year's exposure to elevated CO2 concentration (ambient 350 (=1= 25) μmol/mol) under two planting densities (28 or 84 plants/mz) were investigated in closed-top chambers. Tree height, stem diameter and cross-sectional area, and total biomass were enhanced under elevated CO2 concentration, and reduced under high planting density. Most traits of stem bark were improved under elevated CO2 concentration and reduced under high planting density. Stem wood production was significantly increased in volume under elevated CO2 concentration under both densities, and the stem wood density decreased under elevated CO2 concentration and increased under high planting density. These results suggest that the response of stem wood and bark to elevated CO2 concentration is density dependent. This may be of great importance in a future CO2 enriched world in natural forests where plant density varies considerably. The results also show that the bark/wood ratio in diameter, stem cross-sectional area and dry weight are not proportionally affected by elevated CO2 concentration under the two contrasting planting densities. This indicates that the response magnitude of stem bark and stem wood to elevated CO2 concentration are different but their response directions are the same.     

Differential sensitivity of canola (Brassica napus) seedlings to ultraviolet-B radiation,water stress and abscisic acid

Responses of canola (Brassica napus L.) seedlings to three ultraviolet (UV)-B levels [0 (zero), 5 (ambient) and 10 (enhanced) kJ m^?2 d^?1], two watering regimes (well-watered and water-stressed), and two abscisic acid (ABA) levels (with and without application) were investigated. Overall, enhanced UVB and water stress negatively affected plant growth and physiology, but ABA had very little effect. Enhanced UVB decreased stem height, leaf area, plant dry matter, water use efficiency and wax content, but increased concentrations of chlorophyll a, carotenoids and flavonoids, and ethylene evolution. Water stress reduced stem height and diameter, leaf area, plant dry matter, leaf weight ratio and shoot:root weight ratio under zero and ambient UVB. Water stress also reduced chlorophyll a and carotenoids in plants exposed to enhanced UVB. ABA with watering regime had significant interactive effects only on leaf dry matter and wax content. We found that enhanced UVB and water stress adversely affected B. napus seedlings. Interaction between these two factors affected plant performance. In this interaction, ABA had little significant role. Also, optimum vegetative growth and biomass were achieved under ambient UVB.