Some Morphological and Biochemical Characteristics of C3 and C4 Plants Irradiated with UV‐B

Four C3 and two C4 plants were subjected for 350 h to an enhanced UV‐B radiation (280 to 310 nm) regime simulating a 0.18 atm. cm ozone level (solar angle 55°) in growth chamber. Different degrees of response among plant species were observed. UV‐B radiation reduced plant height, fresh and dry weight, protein content, total chlorophyll, inhibited net CO2 uptake and the Hill reaction activity. Some broad‐leaved species with C3 type of carbon assimilation were more susceptible to UV‐B alterations of morphological and biochemical characteristics than the narrowleaved species with C4 type photosynthesis.