Combined effects of elevated UV-B radiation and the addition of selenium on common (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and tartary [Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.] buckwheat

The combined effects of UV-B irradiation and foliar treatment with selenium on two buckwheat species, common (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and tartary [Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.] buckwheat, that underwent different intensity of breeding, were examined. Plants grown outdoors under three levels of UV-B radiation were studied for 9 weeks, from sowing to ripening. At week 7 they were sprayed with solution containing 1 g(Se) m−3 that presumably mitigates UV-B stress. Morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters of the plants were monitored. Elevated UV-B radiation, corresponding to a 17 % reduction of the ozone layer, induced synthesis of UV absorbing compounds. In both buckwheat species it also caused a reduction in amounts of chlorophyll a during the time of intensive growth, an effect, which was increased in tartary buckwheat in the presence of selenium. The respiratory potential, measured as terminal electron transport system activity, was lower in plants subjected to enhanced UV-B radiation during the time of intensive growth. The effective quantum yield of photosystem 2 was also reduced due to UV-B radiation in both buckwheat species and was mitigated by the addition of Se. Se treatment also mitigated the stunting effect of UV-B radiation and the lowering of biomass in common buckwheat.