UV-B elicitation of secondary plant metabolites

Abstract

Epidemiological studies have revealed an inverse association between a high consumption of vegetables and a lower risk of both cancer and cardiovascular diseases. This protective effect is mostly due to secondary plant metabolites present in plant tissues. In this context, it has become increasingly clear during the last decade that UV-B radiation is an important regulator of plant secondary metabolism. Recent studies have highlighted the regulatory properties of low, ecologically relevant UV-B levels contrary to previous studies in which UV-B radiation was exclusively regarded as a stress factor. Low-dosage UV-B applications trigger distinct changes in the plant’s secondary metabolism resulting in an accumulation of phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and glucosinolates.