UV-B radiation and plant life : molecular biology to ecology

Ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) has profound effects on plant growth and development, and exposure varies with ozone depletion across geographic regions with ecosystem and agricultural consequences. This book deals with large-scale impacts and how UV-B affects plants at the molecular level. The UV-B photoreceptor of plants has only recently been characterized. While UV-B radiation can be damaging, it also has a more positive role in plant photomorphogenesis. Consequently, UV-B treatments are being developed as innovative approaches to improve horticulture. This book is a timely synthesis of what we know and need to know about UV-B radiation and plants Ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) is part of the normal daily spectral radiation and can have profound effects on plant growth and development. Increased UV-B has previously been associated with stratospheric ozone depletion, with potentially harmful consequences for the biosphere. However, many geographical regions are exposed to high levels of UV-B radiation, which substantially influence the local plant and microbial community. Thus, there is great interest in UV-B effects at an agricultural/horticultural and ecosystem level. Furthermore, UV-B strongly interacts with other environmental parameters, and future UV-B levels and effects therefore depend on global climate change phenomena. Changes in our perception of UV-B responses make this book both timely and scientifically pertinent. As UV-B is absorbed by a large number of biologically active molecules, the isolation and characterization of the UV-B photoreceptor, and hence the mechanism of UV-B perception, have only recently taken place. While UV-B was previously considered damaging, it also has a positive role in plant photomorphogenesis, allowing the development of innovative approaches to improve crop productivity. Chapters are written by world authorities on plant responses to UV-B radiation. Key features: Assessment of global impacts of UV-B, Understanding UV-B interactions at the molecular level, Application of UV-B to enhance crop production, This book will be valuable for plant biologists at senior undergraduate, postgraduate and research level. Book jacket Ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) is part of the normal daily spectral radiation and can have profound effects on plant growth and development. Increased UV-B has previously been associated with stratospheric ozone depletion with potentially deleterious consequences for the biosphere. Ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) has profound effects on plant growth and development, and exposure varies with ozone depletion and across geographic regions, with ecosystem and agricultural consequences. This book deals with large-scale impacts but also how UV-B affects plants at the molecular level is also fascinating, and the UV-B photoreceptor has only recently been characterised. While UV-B radiation can be damaging, it also has a more positive role in plant photomorphogenesis. Consequently UV-B treatments are being developed as innovative approaches to improve horticulture. This book is a timely synthesis of what we know and need to know about UV-B radiation and plants Content: Part 1: The UV-B Environment1: Towards an Understanding of the Implications of Changing Stratospheric Ozone, Climate and UV Radiation2: Quantification of UV Radiation3: UV Radiation and Terrestrial Ecosystems: Emerging PerspectivesPart 2: UV-B Induced Changes to Plant Physiology, Morphology and Secondary Metabolism4: UV-B Changes in Secondary Plant Metabolites5: UV-B Induced Morphological Changes - an Enigma6: Plant Responses to Fluctuating UV EnvironmentsPart 3: The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of UV-B responses7: The Effects of UV-B on the Biochemistry and Metabolism of Plants8: Discovery and Characterization of the UV-B Photoreceptor UVR89: UV-B Signal Transduction from Photoperception to ResponsePart 4: UV-B Impact on Agriculture and Horticulture10: The Effects of Ultraviolet-B on Vitis vinifera - How Important is UV-B for Grape Biochemical Composition?11: Turning UV Photobiology into an Agricultural Reality Variation in UV-B radiation is crucial to climate change and crop productivity. This book focuses on its environmental interactions, and how plants both protect themselves against UV-B and are stimulated by it.