Effects of Ultraviolet-B Radiation on Growth and Photosynthesis in Sunflower Seedlings

The effects of UV-B irradiation on the growth and photosynthetic activity were investigated in seedlings of sunflower(Helianthus annuus L.). The first leaves irradiated with UV-B were retarded in growth but simultaneously acquired a remarkably decreased chlorophyll fluorescence ratio compared with the non-irradiated leaves. The Fv/Fm ratio decreased by 13 % compared to the control after 2 d, and was kept to be lower than the control level until 5 d. From the results it is suggested that UV-B radiation may induce reduced biomass production and decrease in photosynthetic rate in sunflower plants.