The impact of supplemental UV-B radiation on growth and biochemical constituents in Vigna unguiculata L. Walp and Pisum sativum L.

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of UV-B radiation on plant growth and biochemical constituents in Vigna unguiculata and Pisum sativum plants grown from non-irradiated and UV-B-irradiated seeds. The results show that plants grown from UV-B-irradiated seeds for 30, 60, and 90 minutes experienced significant reductions in plant height, root length, and shoot length compared to non-irradiated seeds. Additionally, plants with UV-B-irradiated seeds had less fresh and dry weight. The decline was particularly pronounced in plants exposed to UV-B radiation for 90 minutes. Chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll (a+b) dropped significantly in plants grown from seeds exposed to UV-B radiation for 30, 60, and 90 minutes. The reduction was particularly significant in plants exposed to UV-B radiation for 90 minutes. Moreover, plants with higher levels of total free phenolics and tannins had higher contents compared to non-irradiated seeds. The level of total free phenols is higher in irradiated seeds of P. sativum than V. unguiculata. The plants exposed to UV-B radiation for 90 minutes showed a noticeable increase.