Differential stimulation of an arid‐environment winter ephemeral Dimorphotheca pluvialis (L.) Moench by ultraviolet‐B radiation under nutrient limitation

Abstract

ABSTRACTA South African winter ephemeral D. pluvialis was exposed, under low and high nutrient conditions, to four different daily doses of biologically effective UV‐B radiation. These simulated different depletions (range 0–30%) in the ozone layer at the southerly distribution limit (33° 56′S) of this species, and included daily UV‐B doses received at the northerly distribution limit (26° 38′S) without ozone depletion. Growth inhibition by increased UV‐B radiation was observed during early vegetative stages, but only under low nutrient conditions. Thereafter, net CO2 assimilation rate, growth and reproduction were stimulated by an increase in UV‐B radiation, though doses above those approximating a 20% ozone depletion appeared to be inhibitory. Differential stimulation occurred in the two nutrient treatments. Under high nutrient conditions, photosynthesis (specifically carboxylation efficiency), and numbers of leaves, inflorescences and diaspores per plant, and leaf areas increased, but leaf thickness decreased with increased UV‐B radiation. Under low nutrient conditions, dry masses of leaves, stems, inflorescences and diaspores, and total above‐ground dry masses increased with increased UV‐B radiation. Foliar organic carbon and nitrogen concentrations and foliar concentrations of UV‐B absorbing compounds were unaffected by increased UV‐B radiation, but foliar P concentrations declined. Diaspore viability declined with increased UV‐B radiation. The net effect was a 35 to 43% reduction in viable diaspore production under high nutrient conditions at UV‐B doses equivalent to those currently received at the northerly distribution limit during the reproductive phase. It is concluded that anticipated increases in UV‐B radiation could reduce regeneration success, and seedling survival in areas of low soil fertility, particularly at lower latitudes, and consequently increase the risk of localized population extinctions from stochastic causes.