Physiological and biochemical responses of Sorghum vulgare plants to supplemental ultraviolet-B radiation

Abstract

Sorghum (Sorghum vulgare (Pers.) cv. MSH 51) plants were grown in the field under ambient and supplemental levels of ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B; supplemental daily dose corresponding to a 20% reduction in the stratospheric ozone column). Gas exchange characteristics, biomass, and levels of photosynthetic pigments, flavonoids, catalase, peroxidase activity, and ascorbic acid were determined to evaluate the changes induced by enhanced levels of UV-B irradiation. Gas exchange analysis indicated that one of the reasons for the decline in photosynthesis is stomatal limitation. Enhanced UV-B also caused reductions in chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments after 60 days of exposure. Concentrations of UV-B absorbing pigments increased linearly with age. UV-B irradiation also increased phenolic compounds. Catalase activity decreased, while peroxidase activity increased in response to elevated UV-B. There was a decrease in total plant biomass and ascorbic acid content of plants exposed to UV-B. Thus, an enhanced level of UV-B irradiation over a long period has a cumulative unfavourable effect on a number of physiological and biochemical processes, leading to a reduction in dry matter production.