Combination treatment of elevated UVB radiation, CO2 and temperature has little effect on silver birch (Betula pendula) growth and phytochemistry. Issue 4 (15th April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lavola, Anu; Nybakken, Line; Rousi, Matti; Pusenius, Jyrki; Petrelius, Mari; Kellomäki, Seppo; Julkunen‐Tiitto, Riitta
• Is Part Of: Physiologia plantarum. Volume 149:Issue 4(2013:Dec.)
• Page Start: 499
• Page End: 514
• Publication Date: 2013-04-15
• Subjects: Plant physiology -- Periodicals; 571.2
• DOI: 10.1111/ppl.12051
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-9317

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Elevations of carbon dioxide, temperature and ultraviolet‐B (UBV) radiation in the growth environment may have a high impact on the accumulation of carbon in plants, and the different factors may work in opposite directions or induce additive effects. To detect the changes in the growth and phytochemistry of silver birch (<italic>Betula pendula</italic>) seedlings, six genotypes were exposed to combinations of ambient or elevated levels of CO<sub>2</sub>, temperature and UVB radiation in top‐closed chambers for 7 weeks. The genotypes were relatively similar in their responses, and no significant interactive effects of three‐level climate factors on the measured parameters were observed. Elevated UVB had no effect on growth, nor did it alter plant responses to CO<sub>2</sub> and/or temperature in combined treatments. Growth in all plant parts increased under elevated CO<sub>2</sub>, and height and stem biomass increased under elevated temperature. Increased carbon distribution to biomass did not reduce its allocation to phytochemicals: condensed tannins, most flavonols and phenolic acids accumulated under elevated CO<sub>2</sub> and elevated UVB, but this effect disappeared under elevated temperature. Leaf nitrogen content decreased under elevated CO<sub>2</sub>. We conclude that, as a result of high genetic variability in phytochemicals, <italic>B. pendula</italic> seedlings have potential to adapt to the tested environmental changes. The induction in protective flavonoids under UVB radiation together with the positive impact of elevated CO<sub>2</sub> and temperature mitigates possible UVB stress effects, and thus atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub> concentration and temperature are the climate change factors that will dictate the establishment and success of birch at higher altitudes in the future.</p> </abstract>