Perspective on the influence of ultraviolet radiations in plant growth and development

Abstract

Accumulating evidence points to the multidimensional role of ultraviolet radiation in plant growth and development. Ultraviolet-A (UV-A), as the main component of UV radiation in nature, has a wide range of effects on plants. As there is some evidence of its positive effect as a regulator of plant growth in a controlled environment, there has long been interest in the use of UV-A in agriculture. However, the role of UV-A in plant growth remains largely unknown and the number of studies looking at the effects of UV-A in a controlled environment is still too small. The review carried out here also includes the effects of other UV components on plant growth, morphology and physiology, such as: UV-B, as well as the interplay of other abiotic stresses and UV-A as growth regulators. On the basis of the synthesis presented here, it can be concluded e.g. that lower doses of UV-A radiation can stimulate the growth of plant in a controlled environment. Perhaps it will soon contribute to the optimization of indoor plant growing recipes.