Secondary metabolites interference on potential of Solanum lycopersicum grown under UV-B stress and its impact on developmental attributes of Capsicum annuum

Abstract

Ultraviolet-B (UV–B) radiation contributes only a minor fraction of the solar radiation that shows functional duality. It can induce negative effects directly by degrading DNA and protein or can strengthen UV-light mediated stress acclimation responses through activation of series of secondary metabolic pathways. In this experiment, we examined the secondary metabolites profile of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) grown in doses of 15 min, 30 min, 45 min and 60 min of UV-B and the effects of its extracts on growth and metabolism of Capsicum annuum (chilli). The chief secondary metabolites of the tomato plants were determined by using gas-chromatography mass spectroscopy. Several biophysical, biochemical and histochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of UV-B on secondary metabolism of the tomato and impact of its extract on chilli plants. The results indicated that the chilli plant showed negative growth responses against the aqueous extracts of tomato. These decrease in growth parameters are related to enhanced effects of secondary metabolites found in extracts which induce oxidative stress in the chilli plants. Moreover, histochemical imaging of chilli leaves and roots also showed the increased generation of reactive oxygen species and lignin accumulation. In conclusion our results highlight the presence of miscellaneous secondary metabolites which increased under UV-B stress and improved its herbicidal potency against chilli plants.