Influence of Ultraviolet Radiation on Germination and Early Seedling Growth

The influence of UV-B radiation (280–320 nm) from filtered and unfiltered FS-40 fluorescent sunlamps on germination and early seedling growth was examined for a range of vegetables (tomato, radish, cucumber, lettuce, and bean) and field crops (wheat, cotton, soybean, and millet). Continuous exposure of seeds for 3 days to 26.9 × 10^?2 W × m^?2 UV-B radiation (280–320 nm) at 25°C, had a slight effect on fresh weight of seedlings but no appreciable influence on germination percentage, or dry weight of seedlings. Extending the time of exposure to 6 days, however, resulted in abnormal seedling growth in all species but wheat. Typical responses were short, stubby roots, bronzing of the cotyledons, increased pigmentation, and abnormal curvature of the shoots.