Effects of Ozone Depletion and Increased Ultraviolet-B Radiation on Terrestrial Plants

Abstract

The reasons for the present worry about ozone depletion and its effects on terrestrial plants are explained. Only by a combination of fortunate circumstances has a catastrophe been avoided. For several reasons our group has focused its research on the high latitude terrestrial ecosystems, and is investigating several of them in northern Sweden and on the island of Spitzbergen. One reason is that the radiation amplification factor, i.e. the percent increase in biologically effective radiation per percent ozone depletion is higher in plants with low amounts of protective pigments, as is the case with subarctic and arctic plants. Another is the slow repair of radiation damage at low temperature. Some effects of simulated ozone depletion on subarctic vegetation are described.