Ultraviolet (UV) B effects on growth and yield of three contrasting sweet potato cultivars

• Main Authors: Z. CHEN, W. GAO, K.R. REDDY, M. CHEN, S. TADURI, S.L. MEYERS, M.W. SHANKLE
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Experimental Botany 2020-03-01
• Series: Photosynthetica
• Subjects: combined response index; cultivar differences; gas exchange; ipomoea batatas; leaf anatomy; water-use efficiency
• Online Access: https://ps.ueb.cas.cz/artkey/phs-202001-0005_ultraviolet-uv-b-effects-on-growth-and-yield-of-three-contrasting-sweet-potato-cultivars.php

Ground-level UV-B will stay at a high level in the next several decades and influence sweet potato growth and yield because of the remaining chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere. The study explored three UV-B (none, ambient, and elevated/projected) levels on three contrasting sweet potato cultivars (Beauregard, Hatteras, and Louisiana 1188) using sunlit plant growth chambers at Mississippi State University. The results showed that UV-B influenced three cultivars differently. Growth, photosynthetic rate, epidermal and leaf structure of Beauregard were negatively influenced under ambient and elevated UV-B. On the contrary, Hatteras was positively influenced, and Louisiana 1188 was influenced by elevated UV-B positively on leaf thickness and waxes content, but negatively on the vine length, dry mass, and leaf area. In summary, Beauregard, Louisiana 1188, and Hatteras were UV-B sensitive, moderately sensitive, and tolerant, respectively. Developing UV-B tolerant cultivars will benefit under both current and projected UV-B exposures.