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Anatomical, physiological, and biochemical traits involved in the UV-B radiation response in highbush blueberry

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Biologia Plantarum

Abstract

The effects of a long-term simulated spring-summer UV-B daily course on some anatomical, physiological, and biochemical features were studied in new and old leaves of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) cultivars Legacy, Brigitta, and Bluegold. The results show that under UV-B exposure, leaf thickness increased in Bluegold due to an increased intercellular cavities. By contrast, Brigitta maintained its leaf thickness. The net photosynthetic rate was not significantly affected by the UV-B radiation in any of the cultivars; however, Brigitta presented a better photosystem II performance, since this cultivar had more efficient photochemistry under the UV-B radiation. In addition, Brigitta also maintained enhanced total phenol and total anthocyanin content compared to the other cultivars. In conclusion, Brigitta was more resistant to the UV-B radiation than the other two cultivars.

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Abbreviations

ФPSI :

effective quantum yield of photosystem II

Cars:

carotenoids

Chl:

chlorophyll

DPPH:

2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl

Fv/Fm :

variable to maximum fluorescence ratio

NPQ:

non-photochemical quenching

PAR:

photosynthetically active radiation

PN :

net photosynthetic rate

PS:

photosystem

ROS:

reactive oxygen species

RSA:

radical scavenging activity

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Correspondence to M. Reyes-Díaz.

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Acknowledgements: We thank to the FONDECYT Project No. 1120917 for financial support; Berries San Luis Farm, Lautaro, Chile for kindly providing the blueberry plants, and Dr. Helen Lowry for English revision.

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Reyes-Díaz, M., Meriño-Gergichevich, C., Inostroza-Blancheteau, C. et al. Anatomical, physiological, and biochemical traits involved in the UV-B radiation response in highbush blueberry. Biol Plant 60, 355–366 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10535-015-0580-4

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