Effects of UV-B Radiation on Germination and Seedling Growth of Five Cultivars of Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris )

The sunlight wavelengths between 100 nm and 400 nm are called UV radiation including UV-A(320-390nm), UV-B (280-320 nm) and UV-C (100-280 nm). It is well documented thatstratospheric ozone absorbs most of these harmful radiations. However, stratosphere depletion dueto human activities has led to UV-B radiation increase on earth. In line with that, this study wascarried out to evaluate the Effects of UV-B Radiation on Germination and Seedling Growth ofFive Cultivars of Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris). For this purpose, sugar beet seeds were exposed toUV-B (12 kjm-2d-1) while germination and during developing of seedlings. Results showed thatseed germination is not affected by UV radiation, however, seedlings growth in all five cultivars(Ic, Jaam, 7233, Br1 and Sbsi-007) was declined significantly under UV-B radiation. Moreover,UV-B radiation resulted in disfigured seedlings production.

Keywords:

Sugar beet , Beta vulgaris , uv radiation