This study investigated the effects of longterm-enhanced UV-B, and combined UV-B with elevated CO2 on dwarf shrub berry characteristics in a sub-arctic heath community. Germination of Vaccinium myrtillus was enhanced in seeds produced at elevated UV-B, but seed numbers and berry size were unaffected. Elevated UV-B and CO2 stimulated the abundance of V. myrtillus berries, whilst UV-B alone stimulated the berry abundance of V. vitis-idaea and Empetrum hermaphroditum. Enhanced UV-B reduced concentrations of several polyphenolics in V. myrtillus berries, whilst elevated CO2 increased quercetin glycosides in V. myrtillus, and syringetin glycosides and anthocyanins in E. hermaphroditum berries. UV-B 9 CO2 interactions were found for total anthocyanins, delphinidin-3-hexoside and peonidin-3-pentosidein in V. myrtillus berries but not E. hermaphroditum. Results suggest positive impacts of UV-B on the germination of V. myrtillus and species-specific impacts of UV-B 9 elevated CO2 on berry abundance and quality. The findings have relevance and implications for human and animal consumers plus seed dispersal and seedling establishment. Copyright © Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences 2012.
CITATION STYLE
Gwynn-Jones, D., Jones, A. G., Waterhouse, A., Winters, A., Comont, D., Scullion, J., … Callaghan, T. V. (2012). Enhanced UV-B and elevated CO2 impacts sub-arctic shrub berry abundance, quality and seed germination. Ambio, 41(SUPPL.3), 256–268. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-012-0311-4
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