Effects of substrate acidity and UV-B radiation on photosynthesis of radishes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the combined effect of substrate acidity (pH 4.8; pH 3.8) and 1 kJm-2d-1 UV-B radiation on photosynthesis and growth of radishes (Raphanus sativus L.). Radishes were sown in a neutral pH 6.5 peat substrate. When the second true leaf unfolded, the growth substrate was acidified using different concentration of H2SO4 and exposed to UV-B radiation for a period of ten days. Gas exchange parameters were measured with the LI-6400 portable photosynthesis system. Content of chlorophyll was evaluated spectrophotometrically. The results showed that the greatest inhibition of net photosynthesis was observed when radishes were grown in an acidified pH 3.8 substrate. The decrease of the photosynthesis of radish plants treated with both investigated factors (substrate acidity and UV-B) were lower compared to the effect of substrate acidity alone. UV-B radiation stimulated both enzymatic reactions of photosynthesis and water use efficiency of radish plants grown in acidified peat substrates. Also, investigated factors had higher impact on biomass of tuber than biomass of foliage. © 2011 Versita Warsaw and Springer-Verlag Wien.