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Exploiting UV responses in plants for improved horticultural and nutritional traits
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Date
2025-12-28
Authors
Cunningham, Natalie
Journal Title
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Publisher
University College Cork
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Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation plays a crucial role in shaping plant morphology, metabolism, as well as nutritional value. These UV-induced adjustments can have implications for horticultural and agricultural industries. Furthering understanding of photoreceptor-mediated plant responses to the spectrum of UV radiation can enable growers to optimise greenhouse and field practices, thereby improving crop yield, resilience, and food quality.
The overall aim of this thesis was to characterise dose and wavelength specific responses of agriculturally and nutritionally important traits, by investigating the interactions between UV-A and UV-B radiation, plant photoreceptors, morphology and metabolite accumulation. Effects on morphology were characterised by studying the effects of both broadband and narrowband UV radiation on the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana. Findings provide new insights into photoreceptor functioning under UV radiation and contribute to advancing fundamental knowledge in plant physiology. For instance, wavelength dependent photoreceptor co-action modulates petiole elongation in a distinct manner from that of the leaf blade. Effects on metabolism were studied by investigating the accumulation of the nutritionally essential vitamin D₃ in leaves of a Solanum lycopersicum 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase 2 (Sl7-DR2) knockout line. The results demonstrate that UV radiation is a powerful tool for the development of plant-based sources of vitamin D₃, helping to address a deficiency estimated to affect approximately 50% of the global population. Treatment with broadband UV radiation resulted in significantly higher vitamin D₃ levels, of which remained stable in-planta for at least three days post-treatment in the Sl7-DR2 knockout line.
Collectively, this work proposes that targeted UV radiation exposure strategies can be used as a sustainable tool, in combination with advances in plant science, to modulate plant growth and enhance nutritional quality. Integrating improved understanding of plant physiological responses with strategic light and UV radiation management offers promising opportunities for sustainable agricultural innovation.
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Keywords
UV radiation , Vitamin D , Indoor agricuture , Plant photorecepters , UV-B , UV-A , Arabidopsis thaliana , Solanum lycopersicum
Citation
Cunningham, N. 2025. Exploiting UV responses in plants for improved horticultural and nutritional traits. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.