Fluorescence study of maize irradiated by UVA

Abstract

Effects of UVA on the growth of maize ( Zea mays L.) plants were investigated by growing them under two different controlled conditions. The weight of plants, length of stem, and length and width of the second leaf of each plant were measured. It was found that the growth of plants was reduced under UVA treatment at an early stage. We observed a clear-cut reduction in the growth of plants. The fluorescence spectra of green maize leaf induced by 337 nm radiation were obtained in each case, consisting of four peak bands at 435 nm (F435), 525 nm (F525), 684 nm (F684) and 740 nm (F740), respectively. The ratios of blue to green bands (F435/F525), blue to red bands (F435/F684) and the chlorophyll fluorescence (F684/F740) ratio were calculated and discussed.