Conocarpus lancifolius biochemical responses to variable UV-B irradiation

Conocarpus lancifolius (Engl) is an important plant used in greenery projects in the State of Kuwait. Its sustainability, in the arid environment of Kuwait under high light intensity and other stress factors, is critical for the State of Kuwait. Here, we report the effect of variable UV-B exposure (1.8, 3.6, 7.2 kJ m⁻²) on the growth and development of C. lancifolius. UV-B, being a free radical generator triggers antioxidant defenses in the plant by enhanced synthesis of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and proline. Thus, total phenolic compounds increased by 132.1%, flavonoids by 91.5% and proline by 55.6%. Antioxidant enzymes are important for protection against oxidative stress. The antioxidant enzymes including catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase were increased by 38.6, 30.4, 10.5%, respectively, while ascorbate peroxidase was elevated by 57.8%. A significant increase in the antioxidant defenses in response to UV-B irradiation of C. lancifolius suggests that the plant is well adapted to the arid environment of Kuwait.