Effects of ultraviolet-B radiation on plant growth, symbiotic function and concentration of metabolites in legumes and an assessment of F1 generation for carryover effects

Reduction in ozone layer thickness in the stratosphere and the resultant increase in ground level of biologically active ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation prompted research into the effect of UV-B on growth and metabolism of terrestrial plants. In this study, eight legume species including three tropical food grain legumes [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (cowpea), Glycine max (L.) Merr (soybean), and Phaseolus vulgaris (L.) (common bean)], two temperate pasture legumes [Lupinus luteus (lupin) and Vicia atropurpurea (vetch)], a tree [Virgilia oroboides (Bergius T.M. Salter] and two shrub legumes [Cyclopia maculata (L.) Vent (honey bush) and Podalyria calyptrata Willd] indigenous to Southern Africa were exposed to UV-B radiation at above and below-ambient levels, and assessed for its effects on plant growth, symbiotic function and root concentration of metabolites.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Biological Sciences

Year dc:date.issued

2003

Author dc:creator

• Chimphango, Samson

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Dakora, Felix D

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/10254

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/10254