Llorens, Laura, Badenes-Pérez, Francisco Rubén, Julkunen-Tiitto, Riitta, Zidorn, Christian, Fereres, Alberto and Jansen, Marcel A.K. (2015) The role of UV-B radiation in plant sexual reproduction. Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics, 17 (3). pp. 243-254. DOI 10.1016/j.ppees.2015.03.001.

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Abstract

UV-B radiation affects plant sexual reproduction, but, at present, general patterns about the nature of these effects and their underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In recent years, plant UV-B research has experienced a substantial conceptual change, from a stress-dominated view towards a more regulatory perspective. With this in mind, we have surveyed the published literature on the effects of UV-B radiation on plant reproductive traits and on plant–pollinator interactions.

Most floral parts are effectively UV-B protected thanks to the accumulation of UV-B absorbing compounds. However, the least protected parts, such as pollen, are sensitive to high UV-B doses. Among UV-B absorbing compounds, flavonoids have a complex role in plant reproduction, since they are essential for UV-B protection and normal pollen function, while they also modulate flower and fruit colouration, which, in turn, affects visits by pollinators and frugivores. Effects of UV-B radiation on pollination can be direct, due to UV-B effects on pollinators, or indirect, due to pollinators responding to UV-B-mediated changes in plants. In the case of annual species, our literature survey revealed that, as UV-B doses increase, there is a tendency to delay the onset of flowering and to decrease fruit and/or seed production. Yet, the present review highlights the existence of complex dose–response curves that emphasize the need to use multiple UV-B doses in future studies of UV-B-mediated flowering responses. Moreover, species, populations or even cultivars originating from geographical areas with high impact of solar radiation (e.g. Mediterranean Basin) exhibit, in general, high protection against UV-B radiation, often showing positive responses to moderate UV-B increases.

In conclusion, our survey of the literature reveals complex UV-B effects on plant reproduction. To fully comprehend these effects, integrated approaches, beyond those currently used, are required to analyze the complex mixture of direct and indirect, stimulatory and inhibitory UV-B responses.

Document Type:	Article
Research affiliation:	Kiel University > Kiel Marine Science
Refereed:	Yes
Date Deposited:	29 Jun 2017 09:22
Last Modified:	01 Feb 2018 13:29
URI:	https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/38663

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