UV-B and Mediterranean forest species: direct effects and ecological consequences.
Experimental results from plants receiving elevated doses of UV-B radiation generally show that Mediterranean forest species are well protected against increases in UV-B radiation. Natural adaptations to water stress and excess light (elevated concentrations of UV-B screening compounds, leaf hairs, thick cuticle and epidermis), and UV-B responses (thickening of the cuticle, increase in carotenoids) may avoid or counter-balance UV-B radiation damage. This response confirms that Mediterranean forest vegetation is adapted to face oxidative stress factors, such as elevated tropospheric ozone concentrations, drought and high radiation, including UV-B. Nevertheless, in the long term, species-specific and season-specific differential responses in growth, physiology, phenology and reproductive behaviour may alter the interactions between species and lead to slow but important changes in ecosystem structure and function.
Paoletti
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Istituto Protezione Piante, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Madonna del Piano, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. e.paoletti@ipp.cnr.it
D000064:Acclimatization / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D017753:Ecosystem; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects; D017752:Greenhouse Effect; D008522:Mediterranean Sea; D010126:Ozone / Q000009:adverse effects; D018521:Plant Physiological Phenomena; D014197:Trees / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D010126:Ozone