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UV-screening of grasses by plant silica layer?

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Abstract

UV-screening by terrestrial plants is a crucial trait since colonization of terrestrial environments has started. In general, it is enabled by phenolic substances. Especially for grasses it remains unclear why plants grown under the absence of UV-B-radiation exhibit nonetheless a high UV-B-screening potential. But this may be explained by the UV-screening effect of the silicon double layer. It was shown for seedlings of soybeans (Glycine max L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) that enhanced silicon supply reduces stress induced by UV-radiation. Even more important is a direct correlation between silicon content in the epidermis near area (intercellular spaces) and the absorption of UV-radiation in this area shown in other papers. The silicon double layer may act like a glass layer and decreases the transmission of UV-radiation at the epidermis near area. In summary, the absorbance/reflection of ultraviolet radiation is dependent on the characteristics of the epidermis near area of leaves, particularly the occurrence (qualitatively and quantitatively) of phenolic substances and/or a silicon double layer in this area. Consequently, UV-screening by plant silicon double layer should get more attention in future research with emphasis on effects of UV-radiation on plant physiology.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Mrs Julia Senft (Burg Giebichenstein Kunsthochschule Halle, Germany) for drafting the figure scheme.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Technische Universität Dresden, Institute of General Ecology and Environmental Protection, 01062, Dresden, Germany

    Jörg Schaller, Carsten Brackhage & E Gert Dudel

  2. Technische Universität Dresden, Institute of Forest Utilization and Forest Technology, D-01062, Dresden, Germany

    Ernst Bäucker

Authors
  1. Jörg Schaller
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  2. Carsten Brackhage
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  3. Ernst Bäucker
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  4. E Gert Dudel
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jörg Schaller.

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Corresponding editor: MAN MOHAN JOHRI

[Schaller J, Brackhage C, Bäucker E and Dudel E G 2013 UV-screening of grasses by plant silica layer? J. Biosci. 38 1–4] DOI 10.1007/s12038-013-9303-1

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Schaller, J., Brackhage, C., Bäucker, E. et al. UV-screening of grasses by plant silica layer?. J Biosci 38, 413–416 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12038-013-9303-1

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