Author
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Krizek, Donald |
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Submitted to: American Society for Photobiology
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 5/31/2006 Publication Date: 7/7/2006 Citation: Krizek, D.T. 2006. Influence of increased solar uv radiation and other climatic changes on terrestrial ecosystems [abstract]. Program and Abstracts 33rd Meeting American Society for Photobiology, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, July 8-12, 2006. p. 32. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Since the early 1970s, there has been growing concern about the possible biological effects of stratospheric ozone reduction and the attendant increase in solar ultraviolet-B (280-320 nm) radiation. The impact of global warming and other climatic changes on plant productivity that may result from increased carbon dioxide and other trace gases may be profound. Changes are expected in the frequency and intensity of precipitation and storms as a consequence of global warming. To develop a meaningful assessment of terrestrial ecosystem responses to global climate change, there will be need to conduct ecosystem studies across and within multiple trophic levels in order to examine the interactive effects of UV-B, carbon dioxide and tropospheric ozone levels along with other stress factors. In conjunction with these stress factors, increased UV-B radiation may alter many important ecosystem processes such as biomass production, plant-herbivore interactions, disease incidence, change in species abundance and composition, and mineral nutrient cycling. The response of plants to enhanced UV-B levels has been investigated using both UV supplementation and UV exclusion techniques. Based on these studies, one can draw some generalizations as to the likely response of terrestrial plants to projected changes in global climate. Higher plant species are expected to vary greatly in their response to increased UV-B radiation with the most typical effects being a reduction in height, leaf area, and shoot biomass, and an increase in phenolics and other secondary compounds. The overall effect of global warming on crop production may be either positive or negative, depending on the cropping system and the severity of market disruptions. Crop simulation models may be needed in reaching decisions as to how best to achieve food security and mitigate environmental change. |
