Photosynthetica 1999, 36(11):33-38 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1007010727978

Changes in Pigment Composition and Photosynthetic Activity of Aquatic Fern (Azolla Microphylla Kaulf.) Exposed to Low Doses of UV-C (254 nm) Radiation

M. Jayakumar1, M. Eyini2, P. Selvinthangadurai1, K. Lingakumar3, A. Premkumar3, G. Kulandaivelu3
1 Research Department of Botany, VHNSN College, Virudhunagar, India
2 Research Centre in Botany, Thiagarajar College (Autonomous), Madurai, India
3 School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India

Changes in the content of pigments and rate of photosynthesis in Azolla microphylla Kaulf. fronds were measured during growth under solar and ultraviolet-C (UV-C) supplemented solar radiation. Maximum content of total chlorophyll (Chl) was observed on the 13th day (termination of the experiment) of treatment in both control and treated plants. The treated plants had significantly lower total Chl and carotenoid contents than the control plants during the 1st day of growth. After the 4th day of exposure to UV-C supplemented solar radiation, the Chl and carotenoids accumulation increased in treated plants, so that the pigment concentration in the treated fronds was nearer to the control values after the 13th day of treatment. Significant increase in UV absorbing pigments, anthocyanins, and flavonoids was observed at the 13th day of treatment. In spite of the roughly similar photosynthetic pigment concentration, the photosynthetic activity measured as the rate of electron transport at photosystem 2 was only 65 % of the control values after 13 d of UV-C exposure.

Additional key words: anthocyamin; carotenoids; chlorophyll; flavonoids; photosystem 2

Published: July 1, 1999  Show citation

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Jayakumar, M., Eyini, M., Selvinthangadurai, P., Lingakumar, K., Premkumar, A., & Kulandaivelu, G. (1999). Changes in Pigment Composition and Photosynthetic Activity of Aquatic Fern (Azolla Microphylla Kaulf.) Exposed to Low Doses of UV-C (254 nm) Radiation. Photosynthetica, 37(1), 33-38. doi: 10.1023/A:1007010727978
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