A flavonoid mutant of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) exhibits increased sensitivity to UV‐B radiation in the primary leaf

ABSTRACT The aim of the present investigation was to define the role of soluble flavonoids as UV‐B protectants in the primary leaf of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). For this purpose we used a mutant line (Ant 287) from the Carlsberg collection of proanthocyanidin‐free barley containing only 7% of total extractable flavonoids in the primary leaf as compared to the mother variety (Hiege 550/75). Seven‐day‐old leaves from plants grown under high visible light with or without supplementary UV‐B radiation were used for the determination of UV‐B sensitivity. UV‐B‐induced changes were assessed from parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence of photosystem II, including initial and maximum fluorescence, apparent quantum yield, and photochemical and non‐photochemical quenching. A quartz fibre‐optic microprobe was used to evaluate the amount of potentially harmful UV‐B (310 nm radiation) penetrating into the leaf as a direct consequence of flavonoid deficiency. Our data indicate an essential role of flavonoids in UV‐B protection of barley primary leaves. In leaves of the mutant line grown under supplementary UV‐B, an increase in 310nm radiation in the mesophyll and a strong decrease in the quantum yield of photosynthesis were observed as compared to the corresponding mother variety. Primary leaves of liege responded to supplementary UV‐B radiation with a 30% increase in the major flavonoid saponarin and a 500% increase in the minor compound lutonarin. This is assumed to be an efficient protective response since no changes in variable chlorophyll fluorescence were apparent. In addition, a further reduction in UV‐B penetration into the mesophyll was recorded in these leaves.