The effects of UV-B radiation on European heathland species

摘要: The effects of enhanced UV-B radiation on three examples European shrub-dominated vegetation were studied in situ. experiments High Arctic Greenland, northern Sweden and Greece, at all sites investigated the interaction (simulating a 15% reduction ozone layer) with artificially increased precipitation. Swedish experiment also involved study between elevated CO2 (600 ppm). These field studies supported by an outdoor controlled environment United Kingdom involving modulated enhancement combination (700 Effects treatments plant growth, morphology, phenology physiology measured. observed species specific, included both positive negative responses to treatments. In general up growing seasons small, but reductions shoot growth premature leaf senescence. Positive marked increase flowering some stimulation photosynthetic processes. treatment drought tolerance Pinus pinea halepensis increasing cuticle thickness. general, there few interactions There was evidence suggest that although damage may be time long-lived woody perennials. third year for insect herbivory Vaccinium species. point necessity long-term investigations predict likely ecological consequences radiation.