摘要：Increased levels of solar ultraviolet-B (UV-B) have been measured at temperate and polar regions of the Earth surface as a consequence of decreases in the stratospheric ozone layer. Although, UV-B represents only a small part of the solar radiation reaching the earth, its impact on biological processes can be very deleterious, owing to its high energy level. Treatment of safflower ( Carthamus tinctorious ) seeds with artificial UV-B radiation caused changes in seed germination and seedling growth. In all treatments, UV light sped the germination of these seeds but the subsequent growth of the seedlings was markedly retarded. Pictures are presented to show this latter effect and the possible effects of UV-irradiation on seed germination are discussed. Therefore, continual exposure to UV-B could have similar effects on seeds. The hypocotyls become quite short and there is less above shoot biomass.
