Significance of UV-B Priming in Agricultural Crops : A Review.

The tremendously growing global human population and increasing level of UV radiation necessitates the need for developing a cost-effective, convenient and environment-friendly method for improving the quality and quantity of food crops. UV-B radiation has particular regulatory functions in plant growth and development, which can lead to increased plant hardiness, increased plant resistance to herbivores and diseases and improved agricultural product quality, all of which have implications for food security. UV-B priming is one of the most efficient techniques helpful in increasing yield and improving quality of the crop. The review paper scrutinizes the previous research studies on effect of UV priming on plants, mainly focusing UV-B priming. The overall significance of this technique and the mode of action through which the photomorphogenic responses are brought about in plants after UV exposure are discussed in detail. We found certain gaps in research that are needed to be addressed. Exposing plants to low doses of UV-B increases the production of antioxidants, phenolics, pigments and enzymes, overall strengthening defense system and increasing the efficiency of photosystem of the plant. Experiments on the effects of UV-B light needs precise monitoring of UV radiation. The development of tools and procedures that permit for the estimation of pragmatic UV radiation exposures of discrete plants, natural ecosystems and agricultural contexts need further attention. Ecologists are to forecast the expected effects of natural ecosystems; investigations of the combined effects of environmental variables and UV-B radiation will be required for the development of stress-tolerant crop varieties. A better understanding of the mechanism of UV-B priming mechanisms will aid in the development of seed production technologies. The role of UV-B photo receptor, UVR8, in nucleoplasmic gene transcription and the link between UVR8 activation and repression of hormone production or signaling are all questions that needs to be explored further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]