The influence of UV C on tolerance of Pisum sativum antioxidant system to abiotic stresses

Aim. Advantages of using UV-C for plant protection include its non-toxicity, broad-spectrum antipathogen activity without risk of developing resistance, low cost, and ease of application. However, plants exposed to UV-C may be further weakened by abiotic stresses. This research is to investigate the impact of abiotic factors on plant sensitivity to UV-C, using pea (Pisum sativum L.) as a model. Methods. Mechanical wounding was applied to leaves of pea plants (cv. Aronis), and water levels were raised to simulate flooding. Plants were irradiated with UV-C at 10 kJ/m². Endogenous hydrogen peroxide content, as well as morphometric growth parameters of roots and leaves, were measured during the experiments. Experiments were repeated three times and analyzed statistically. Results. UV-C exposure induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by a marked increase in H₂O₂ levels by day 4. The highest fluctuations in H₂O₂ were recorded under combined stress (flooding + UV-C), peaking on day 10. In wounded plants, the response was more complex and prolonged, with the combination of wounding and UV-C showing the highest H₂O₂ accumulation on day 7. Conclusions. Combined mechanical injury and UV-C irradiation synergistically enhanced oxidative responses, exceeding the effect of either factor alone, suggesting an amplified stress signaling interaction.