Enhanced UV-B and elevated CO(2) impacts sub-arctic shrub berry abundance, quality and seed germination

Ambio. 2012;41 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):256-68. doi: 10.1007/s13280-012-0311-4.

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of long-term-enhanced UV-B, and combined UV-B with elevated CO(2) on dwarf shrub berry characteristics in a sub-arctic heath community. Germination of Vaccinium myrtillus was enhanced in seeds produced at elevated UV-B, but seed numbers and berry size were unaffected. Elevated UV-B and CO(2) stimulated the abundance of V. myrtillus berries, whilst UV-B alone stimulated the berry abundance of V. vitis-idaea and Empetrum hermaphroditum. Enhanced UV-B reduced concentrations of several polyphenolics in V. myrtillus berries, whilst elevated CO(2) increased quercetin glycosides in V. myrtillus, and syringetin glycosides and anthocyanins in E. hermaphroditum berries. UV-B × CO(2) interactions were found for total anthocyanins, delphinidin-3-hexoside and peonidin-3-pentosidein in V. myrtillus berries but not E. hermaphroditum. Results suggest positive impacts of UV-B on the germination of V. myrtillus and species-specific impacts of UV-B × elevated CO(2) on berry abundance and quality. The findings have relevance and implications for human and animal consumers plus seed dispersal and seedling establishment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arctic Regions
  • Carbon Dioxide / pharmacology*
  • Climate Change
  • Ecosystem*
  • Fruit / drug effects*
  • Germination / drug effects
  • Germination / physiology
  • Seeds / drug effects*
  • Seeds / physiology
  • Sweden
  • Ultraviolet Rays*
  • Vaccinium / drug effects*
  • Vaccinium / physiology

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide