2 The interactions between UV radiation, drought and selenium in different buckwheat species

Abstract

Here we summarise the outcomes on biochemical response and growth of buckwheat with respect to UV radiation, drought and selenium, as well as their interactions. Buckwheats are taxonomically and morphologically very diverse. They  have been subjected to more or less intensive breeding, which results in higher susceptibility to environmental constraints including drought and also in different potential to cope and exploit UV radiation. The responses of different buckwheats to UV, drought and their combination differed in different species. Selenium treatment may mitigate negative effects of environmental constraints on buckwheat. Regarding the production of UV absorbing compounds, buckwheats mainly positively respond to UV dose. Ca druses in buckwheat seem to be important in affecting UV penetration.