Abstract
Seeds or cuttings of five forest tree species with contrasting leaf anatomies and shoot growth characteristics were cultivated under three different UV-B radiation regimes: ambient (7.5 kJ m-2 d-1 = 1×), two times ambient (2×), or three times ambient (3×) biologically effective UV-B radiation (UV-BBE) USA at the summer solstice, as calculated for Pullman, Washington. Experiments were conducted in glasshouses using a nonmodulated UV-B lamp system. Gas exchange was measured in recently mature leaves after six months of exposure. Photosynthetic rates were reduced by 2× and 3× treatments in Populus trichocarpa, and by the 3× regime for Pseudotsuga menziesii. Photosynthetic rates increased under the 2× treatment for Pseudotsuga menziesii and under the 3× treatment for Picea engelmannii. For Pinus ponderosa and Quercus rubra, photosynthetic rates were unchanged. Dark respiration increased under both 2× and 3× treatments for Picea engelmannii and by the 3× level in Quercus rubra, but was unaffected in the other species. Transpiration and stomatal conductance generally mirrored changes in photosynthesis. Water use efficiency increased for Pinus ponderosa (2× treatment) and Quercus rubra (2× and 3×), was reduced for Populus trichocarpa (2× & 3×), and remained unchanged in the other species. Enhanced UV-B radiation changed the shape of light response curves for all species. Quantum yields were unchanged for Pinus ponderosa, increased for Pseudotsuga menziesii (2×) and Picea engelmannii (2× and 3×) and were reduced in Populus trichocarpa (2×) and Quercus rubra (3×). Light compensation points were higher in the conifers (3×) and reduced in the angiosperms (2×). Chlorophylls were generally reduced by higher UV-B radiation in the conifers and for Populus trichocarpa (3×), but increased for Quercus rubra. Ultraviolet-absorbing compounds increased in the conifers and were unchanged in the angiosperms by enhanced UV-B radiation. Height growth increased (Pinus ponderosa, 3×; Quercus rubra, 2×), decreased (Picea engelmannii, 3×) or was unchanged (Pseudotsuga menziesii, Populus trichocarpa) by higher levels of UV-B radiation. Stem diameter and plant biomass were generally reduced, and shoot: root ratios increased for all species except Populus trichocarpa. Our results do not appear to support the hypothesis that inherent leaf anatomy or shoot growth pattern in these species directly determine the response of photosynthesis and growth to enhanced UV-B radiation. FOR SCI. 49(2):176–187.