The effect of UV-B radiation on plant growth and development

Abstract

In the experiment conducted in the greenhouse, the different doses of UV-B radiation applied to the two species Avena fatua and Setaria viridis induced changes in leaf and plant morphology. It was a decrease of plant height, fresh mass of leaves, shoots and roots as well as leaf area. Besides, it caused the leaf curling in both of the species. The significant differences between Avena fatua and Setaria viridis in the studied traits were mainly due to the tillering ability of the species. The content of chlorophyll varied considerably. The average values of leaf greenness (SPAD units) for oats were about 43 while for green foxtail 32, respectively. U-VB did not reduce leaf weight ratio, shoot dry matter, shoot to root ratio and leaf area ratio.