Impact of enhanced ultraviolet-B irradiance on maize yield and its seed qualities: a field evaluation

Abstract

Stratospheric ozone depletion has caused an increase in the amount of UV-B radiation reaching the earth’s surface. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that the effect of UV-B enhancements on plants includes reduction in grain yield, alteration in species competition, susceptibility to disease, and changes in plant structure and pigmentation. Many experiments examining UV-B radiation effects on plants were conducted in growth chambers or greenhouses. It has been questioned if the effect of UV-B radiation on plants can be extrapolated to field responses from indoor studies because of the unnaturally high ratios of UV-B/UV-A and UV-B/PAR in many indoor studies. Field studies on UV-B radiation effect on plants has been recommended in order to use the UV and PAR irradiance provided by natural light. This study reported the growth and yield responses of a maize crop exposed to enhanced UV-B radiation and the UV-B effects on maize seed qualities under field conditions. Enhanced UV-B radiation caused a significant reduction of the dry matter accumulation, and the maize yield in turn was affected. With increased UV-B radiation the flavonoid accumulation in maize leaves increased, and the contents of chlorophyll a, b, and (a+b) of maize leaves were reduced. The levels of protein, sugar, and starch of maize seed decreased with enhanced UV-B radiation, while the level of lysine increased with enhanced UV-B radiation.