Field crop responses to ultraviolet-B radiation: a review

This paper provides an overview of existing literature on the ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation effects on field crops. Earlier reviews on field crop responses to UV-B considered few physiological processes or crops. For this review, we easily located about 129 studies on 35 crop species published since 1975. Here, we report the effects of UV-B radiation on visual symptoms, leaf ultrastructure and anatomy, photosynthetic pigments, UV-B absorbing compounds, photosynthesis, growth and development, yield, genotypic differences, and finally, interactions of UV-B with abiotic and biotic factors of crop plants. Experiments conducted in glasshouses, in closed and open top chambers, and under field conditions, with varying source (solar or artificial) and intensity of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, 50–1800 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and UV-B (0–50 kJ m⁻² per day) are included. It is easy to conduct experiments that purport to evaluate the effects of projected UV-B intensities on crop species by providing supplemental irradiance with lamps or by reducing UV-B with filters; however, it is very difficult to simulate UV-B irradiance spectral changes that are likely to occur in nature. Collated results for each process are presented as percent change from control along with the experimental conditions in tabular format. Many of the studies showed dramatic effects of UV-B radiation, but under conditions with supplemental UV-B irradiance that was higher than would ever occur outside experimental conditions or in which the longer wavelengths in the PAR and UV-A, which moderate UV-B effects, were greatly reduced. Only 25 of the studies reviewed used experimental conditions and supplemental UV-B irradiance that approached realism. However, unrealistic the experimental conditions might be, an increase in understanding of basic plant physiology was gained from most of the studies.Visual symptoms consisting of chlorotic or necrotic patches on leaves exposed to UV-B were not unique. Both vegetative and reproductive morphology were altered by UV-B radiation. Leaf anatomy was altered due to changes in thickness of epidermal, palisade, and mesophyll layers. Enhanced UV-B generally decreased chlorophyll content (10–70%), whereas it increased UV-B absorbing compounds (10–300%) in many crops. Decrease in photosynthesis (3–90%), particularly at higher UV-B doses, was due to both direct (effect on photosystem) and indirect (decrease in pigments and leaf area) effects. The decreases in chlorophyll pigments and photosynthesis resulted in lower biomass and yield of most crop plants. Genotypes of crop species exhibited variability in leaf wax layer thickness, loss of chlorophyll, and increase in phenolics as mechanisms of tolerance to enhanced UV-B radiation resulting in changes in biomass/yield. Results from the few studies on interaction of UV-B with other abiotic and biotic factors did not lead to useful conclusions. Studies are needed to quantify the effects of UV-B radiation on crops in order to develop dose response functions that can facilitate development of dynamic simulation models for use in UV-B and other environmental impact assessments.     

气候变化对中国农业生产的影响

未来气候变化下中国农业的稳定事关中国的长远持续发展,国内外气候变化研究界和农业气象研究界对气候变化对中国农业生产的影响的评估未有一致的认识。本文从农业科学角度讨论了气候变化对中国农业生产涉及的气象资源、土地资源、农业生物环境和生态系统的影响,并从作物生长和经济产量形成的角度讨论和分析了气候变化对中国种植业、养殖业不同产业行业的影响,气候变化中一些趋势性变化因不同作物和不同区域而异,例如温度和CO2浓度变化对农业生产的影响因不同作物和不同时相而异,反之,极端性气候／天气事件对农业不同行业的生产都显得危害很大,而气候变化中区域性干旱将成为我国未来农业生产愈来愈严重的挑战。气候变化对中国农业生产的影响甚为复杂,一些气候变化因子的实际影响还存在很大不确定性。当前,定量评价气候变化对中国农业生产的影响还存在困难。     

Yield and yield formation of field winter wheat in response to supplemental solar ultraviolet-B radiation

The stratospheric ozone decrease has heightened concern over the ecological implications of increasing solar UV-B radiation on agricultural production and natural plant ecosystems. UV-B is absorbed, and can damage many important plant species through a variety of interacting mechanisms. The effects of enhanced UV-B exposure on yield and yield formation of winter wheat associated with photosynthetic activity and total biomass development were investigated in this study. The overall experimental design included three UV-B treatments (two supplemental UV-B treatments and an ambient level) with three replicates of each treatment. Results suggested that the supplemental UV-B can cause the decrease of yield of winter wheat up to 24% with 11.4% increased UV-B. Supplemental UVB decreased dry matter accumulation most during the jointing–booting stage when the leaf area index (LAI) was the greatest. In addition, the supplemental U-VB appeared to effect the distribution of dry matter but did not effect the net assimilation ratio of the wheat.     

Plant Growth Retardants,Plant Nutrients,and Cotton Production

Soil fertility and crop management are the two most important factors of modern agricultural activity. Managing the balance of vegetative and reproductive growth is the essence of managing a cotton crop. It is well known from numerous fertilizer experiments that the yield of agricultural crops has been strongly dependent on the supply of mineral nutrients, which have been used in crop cultivation to exploit the full genetic potential of the plant. Supplying optimal quantities of mineral nutrients to growing crop plants is one way to improve crop yields. In recent years, several approaches have been tried to break this yield plateau, and among them is application of plant growth regulators (PGRs). In maximizing the quantity and quality of a crop it is necessary to identify the constraints that may affect it and to devise methods of overcoming them through the use of inputs or changes in management practices.     

Crop phenology modifies wheat responses to increased UV-B radiation

Ozone layer depletion increases the level of ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth's surface affecting both natural and agricultural ecosystems, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. Considering the harmful effects UV-B radiation has on plant growth the future productivity of wheat crops in Southern Chile could be challenged by both (i) the forthcoming level of UV-B increase and (ii) the sensitivity of this crop to higher UV-B radiation. In this study the effect of increased UV-B radiation at different phenophases on a spring wheat cultivar (Pandora) was investigated in two experiments at plant and crop levels under out-door conditions. The experiments consisted of controls, increased UV-B radiation at specific phenophases (from 3 leaf stage to booting 3L-Bo, and from booting to maturity Bo-PM), and increased UV-B radiation for the majority of the crop cycle (from 3 leaf stage to maturity). UV-B radiation was increased by Q panel UV-313 lamps set in plastic framed structures. Control plants were grown either without frames or below the same framed structures as those which received increased UV-B treatments. Phenology, above-ground biomass, grain yield, components, grain protein concentration, leaf area index (LAI), Fv/Fm and pigments were measured at booting and/or at harvest. Above-ground biomass and yield decreased by 11–19 and 12–20%, respectively, when UV-B radiation was increased at the 3L-Bo phase, while no effect was observed when irradiation was applied later in the crop cycle (Bo-PM). No additional UV-B effects to those observed at booting were detected in plants irradiated during the majority of the entire crop cycle (3L-PM). Biomass variation was strongly associated (r = 0.99; P < 0.01) with UV-B/PAR ratio in the sensitive treatments to UV-B increases (3 L-Bo) of both experiments. Flour protein was not affected by UV-B increases at any phenophase evaluated in this study. In both experiments, leaf green area and weight were negatively affected by increased UV-B radiation and no effect on specific leaf area (SLA) was found. Lower Fv/Fm, chlorophyll, carotenoid concentration and carotenoid:chlorophyll ratio were found at crop level (experiment 2) under higher UV-B in the 3L-Bo and 3L-PM treatments. The flavonoid concentration responded differently in the two experiments, probably due to the optimum responses these pigments had to expose UV-B doses.     

Assessing Nitrogen Fertilization Strategies in Winter Wheat and Cotton Crops in Northern Greece

The management of fertilizer application is crucial for agricultural production and environmental safety.The objective of this study was to assess the effciency of different fertilization strategies,applying fertilizers with and without nitrification inhibitors(NIs) in split application,in Greece.The assessment criteria used were based on crop yield,soil nitrogen(N)concentrations and economic effciency.For this purpose two crops(winter wheat and cotton)were seffected in order to explore the optimum fertilization strategy for each crop.Three treatments combining fertilizers with NIs were tested compared with conventional fertilization(CF).Slight differences in the quantity and the combination of fertilizers with NIs applied resulted in variable effects on crop yield,soil N and economic return.Split N application of 102 kg ha^-1,with half of the total amount applied at seeding,resulted in higher grain yield of winter wheat,lower NO₃^--N in soil and higher economic return.This result reveals the importance of N application at seeding in wheat crop.Fertilization strategy with 109.5 kg N ha^-1 and split P application resulted in higher cotton yield and higher economic profit.Split P application seemed to increase yield,even though it is not a common practise in the area.     

覆盖作物的效益及其合理选择的研究进展

覆盖作物的种植是一种可实现农业可持续发展的保护性耕作措施，对维护农业生产的可持续性具有积极意义。目前，对覆盖作物的研究主要侧重于覆盖作物对土壤和后茬作物的影响评价，包括对土壤有机碳、氮的固存，对杂草和病虫害的抑制、对土壤理化性质的改良和对土壤微生物活性的影响等方面。然而，覆盖作物的效益因覆盖作物类型、地理位置和覆盖时间不同而存在差异。另外，覆盖作物的选择、设置方法、终止方法、经济效益等充满了不确定性，这限制了其在农田中的大面积推广。该研究基于当前国内外的研究进展简要介绍了覆盖作物的种植管理现状，总结了覆盖作物提供的多种生态系统服务功能，讨论了限制覆盖作物在农作物种植系统中广泛应用的关键因素，提出了覆盖作物合理选择的建议。同时，基于覆盖作物在农学、生态环境上的经济和生态效益，对覆盖作物的贡献以及面临的瓶颈进行了思考。发现良种培育、覆盖作物-土壤微生物-土壤养分-作物之间的协同机制仍是今后需要突破的重点课题，以期为覆盖作物的合理选择及大面积推广提供依据。     

Nitrogen,Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertilization of a Coastal Plain Cotton–Peanut Rotation

Abstract

A cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)–peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) rotation is widely practiced in the southern coastal plain following the reemergence of cotton as a major crop in the 1990s. Very few plant nutrition studies have been conducted in the coastal plain (CP) with modern cotton varieties and none with the cotton–peanut rotation. Experiments with varying rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were conducted to determine if the recommendations from soil tests provide adequate nutrition for maximizing profit when yield goals are Georgia state averages, due to other conditions. From 1996 through 1998, N, P, and K experiments were conducted in cotton crops, and P and K experiments were conducted in peanut crops on Tifton loamy sand. Initial Mehlich‐1 P was 2 to 3 mg/kg (“low”) and Mehlich‐1 K was 50 to 64 mg/kg (“medium” for cotton and “high” for peanut). Each crop was grown each year. State average yields of cotton and peanuts were produced. There was no response in cotton yield to N rates from 34 to 136 kg N/ha. Lack of response may have been due to the fact that the field had not been in production for several years prior to 1996 and there was ample soil mineral N. In 1997 and 1998, residual N provided by N fixation by the previous peanut crop appeared to be sufficient. Maximum profit from P fertilization in cotton was attained at 50 kg P/ha, the recommendation from the soil test. However, a University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service recommendation to double the P rate for new land with a “low” Mehlich‐1 P soil test was not validated. Cotton yield did not respond to K fertilization even though an application of 55 kg K/ha/year was recommended from the soil test. Peanut yield and grade did not respond to either P or K fertilization. The recommendation from the soil test was 40 kg P/ha/year and no K. Estimates of P removal were 11 kg/ha for cotton and 8 mg/ha for peanut crops. Estimates of K removal were 25 kg/ha for cotton and 22 kg/ha for peanut crops. Over 3 years, soil P was not depleted, but soil K was depleted. Approximately 12 kg P/ha were required to raise soil test P 1 mg/kg and 18 kg K/ha were required to raise soil test K 1 mg/kg (49 lb. P₂O₅ to increase the P test 1 lb./acre, 38 lb. K₂O to raise the K test 1 lb./acre). Additional studies are needed, but the current studies suggest that revisions in recommendations are needed for both cotton and peanut crops.     

Responses in Some Growth and Mineral Elements of Mono Maple Seedlings to Enhanced Ultraviolet-B and to Nitrogen Supply

The effects of enhanced ultraviolet-B (UV-B) and nitrogen supply on the growth and mineral elements of mono maple (Acer mono Maxim) seedlings were studied in open semi-field conditions. Mono maple is a common species in reforestation processes in the southeast of the Qinhai-Tibetan Plateau of China. The experimental design included two levels of UV-B treatments (ambient UV-B, 11.02 KJ/m²/day; enhanced UV-B, 14.33 KJ/m²/day) and two nitrogen levels (0; 20 g N/m²/a). No visible symptoms of nutrient deficiency were observed in seedlings grown under enhanced UV-B radiation during the experiment. However, there was visible damage of enhanced UV-B radiation on leaves. Enhanced UV-B significantly reduced plant height and biomass of plants, and changed biomass allocation between organs under supplemental nitrogen supply, which lead to a decrease in root/shoot ratio. On the other hand, nitrogen supply significantly increased plant height and biomass under ambient UV-B, whereas it reduced root mass and root weight ratio, and increased stem mass and stem weight ratio under enhanced UV-B. In addition, enhanced UV-B radiation and nitrogen supply significantly affected the concentration and allocation of most nutrients in various organs, and nitrogen supply could changed the effects of enhanced UV-B on mineral element in plant parts to some extent, which may have significant impacts on nutrient cycling and may lead to the disorder of nutrient balanced and influence the growth of plants.     

Assessment of economic and environmental impacts of two typical cotton genotypes with contrasting potassium efficiency

It is essential to produce optimal crop yields while reducing adverse environmental impacts of overfertilization. Therefore, nutrient‐efficient plants may play a major role in improving the efficiency of fertilizer use whilst increasing crop yields. This field trial was conducted to study the differences on absorption and utilization of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) of K‐efficient cotton genotype 103 and K‐inefficient cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotype 122 and their environmental and economic effects. The results show that seed cotton yield was significantly different between K‐efficient cotton genotype 103 and K‐inefficient cotton genotype 122; the yields of genotype 103 were 39.2%, 33.8%, and 25.0% higher than those of genotype 122 with no K fertilizer (K0), 112 kg K ha^–1 K (K1), and 224 kg K ha^–1 (K2), respectively. Even when no K fertilizer was applied, the yield of genotype 103 was still 7.9% higher than the yield of genotype 122 at the highest K level (K2). Further economic benefit analysis revealed that the value cost ratio (VCR) of genotype 103 was significantly higher than 122 at K0 and K1, and harvest index (HI) of genotype 103 was significantly higher than that of genotype 122 at all three K levels. In addition, when fertilized with K, partial factor productivity of applied K (PFP_K) of genotype 103 was dramatically higher than that of genotype 122, demonstrating that genotype 103 had stronger ability to utilize K. Besides, the N‐ and P‐use efficiencies of genotype 103 were also higher than those of genotype 122. It is concluded that: (1) genotype 103 gives better profit than genotype 122 and (2) genotype 103 uses fertilizer more efficiently and reduced fertilizer inputs will alleviate environmental risks.     

Timing of planting is crucial for cotton yield

Abstract

A field study has been conducted to evaluate the importance of planting dates on earliness and second crop seed cotton yield in two cotton cultivars (Gossypium hirsutum L.). The experiment was designed as a split-plot with three replications in which planting dates were the main plots and cotton cultivars were subplots. Five planting dates were established at about 15-day intervals from mid-April to mid-June (15 April, 1 May, 15 May, 1 June, and 15 June). Data collected in both years indicated that planting on 15 April increased the seed cotton yield by 15%. 1 June planting resulted in lower yield (28%), micronaire (15%) and strength (10%) compared to 1 May. Short fibre content was 35% higher for the 15 June planting than for 1 May planting. Cultivar responses differed with planting date. The existence of cultivar×planting date interaction on yield highlights the importance of selecting the right cultivar for the specified planting date. An early planting production system for cotton has the potential to increase yield and quality. Planting cotton as a second crop after cereals could also be feasible for the regions which have an expanding textile industry, although yield and quality are not as high as in crops grown at optimum planting date.     

UV-B辐射的增强对作物形态及生理功能的影响

通过综述UV-B辐射增强对作物产生的影响,为进一步揭示作物对UV-B辐射增强的响应机制、适应变化和寻找相应的解决方法提供参考.分析发现UV-B辐射增强能对作物的形态在根、茎、叶营养器官和生殖器官方面产生负面影响,从而进一步影响作物的生物量和产量;UV-B辐射增强对植物生理的影响主要通过影响作物的叶绿体、光合作用及矿质代谢而起作用,并且这些影响具有品种间和生育期的差异.因此研究紫外辐射对作物的影响具有重要的生态学意义.     

Cover crop potential of winter oilseed crops in the Northern U.S. Corn Belt

ABSTRACT

Winter camelina [WC, Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] and field pennycress (FP, Thlaspi arvense L.) are emerging oilseed crops in corn–soybean rotations, but little is known about their cover crop potential. A 2-year study was conducted in Minnesota, USA to evaluate the effect of winter oilseed crops on nitrogen (N) use, growth and yield of corn and soybean. Treatments included WC, FP, winter rye (WR, Secale cereale L.), and a no cover crop (NC) control. Oilseed crops produced 40–50% less spring biomass and accumulated less N compared to WR. The tissue-N of WC and FP was 39.0% and 6.6% higher than WR, respectively. The C:N ratio of cover crops was lower than 20:1, suggesting rapid decomposition. Compared with NC, cover crops lowered soil nitrate before major crops planting, but the post-harvest N profile following corn and soybean was not affected. Compared with NC, cover crops significantly decreased corn yield, with 8.7%, 9.5% and 9.8% reduction following WC, FP and WR, respectively. Cover crops did not affect growth, yield and N uptake of soybean. Oilseed crops showed potential to improve N cycling in the rotation, but more research of their impact on major crops is needed.     

南疆丰收灌区水资源多目标优化配置方案优选

针对灌区水资源多目标优化配置模型求解算法的不确定性和最优方案选择问题,以新疆阿克苏地区阿瓦提县丰收灌区为研究对象,以灌区可持续发展为目标,建立基于优选算法的灌区水资源多目标优化配置及方案优选模型。对比改进的NSGA-II算法(Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II,带精英策略的非支配排序遗传算法)、NSGA-III算法(Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-III,基于参考点的非支配排序遗传算法)、MOEA/D算法(AMulti-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm based on Decomposition,基于分解的多目标进化算法),最终选取性能最好的CNSGA-III算法作为优化算法对水资源配置模型进行求解;建立水资源配置方案评价体系,利用熵权-TOPSIS(Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution,优劣解距离法)综合评价模型对符合决策制定者期望的配置方案进行对比筛选,选出灌区水资源最佳配置方案。结果表明:优化后的方案相较于传统配置方案,在"三条红线"用水限额下,经济净效益增加1.0%,灌区总缺水量减少8.4%,碳吸收总量增加4.5%。建立的灌区水资源多目标优化配置及方案优选模型可为管理者制定灌区水资源配置方案提供参考,也可适用于其他干旱灌区,有一定的理论意义。     

现阶段作物生产的生态与经济效益评估 ——以江苏省为例

通过成本、效益比较和土壤养分投入产出分析,对江苏省现阶段的作物生产状况进行了生态与经济效益评估。结果表明:在农业劳动力多而耕地少的地区,棉花与玉米、小麦、油菜接作均可获得较高经济效益;在劳动力紧缺、规模化生产的地区,种植水稻 玉米、水稻 小麦、水稻 油菜为宜,不仅省工,且可获得较高的经济效益和产品能,水稻 玉米种植模式还能获得较高的秸秆能。在当前条件下,5种作物的N肥投入均大于产出,P肥产投接近平衡,而K肥投入远远小于产出。为兼顾经济效益和生态效益,维持土壤肥力平衡,水稻施N量应减少165～225 kg/hm2,小麦应减少75～105 kg/hm2,玉米应减少90～165 kg/hm2,棉花应减少120 kg/hm2,油菜应减少60～90 kg/hm2。棉花施K量应增加120 kg/hm2,而其余作物可通过秸秆还田来补充土壤K,维持K的产投平衡。     

Different crop rotation systems as drivers of change in soil bacterial community structure and yield of rice, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis>

Intensive cropping, especially of rice, is considered to contribute to negative effects not only on soil chemical and biological properties but also on long-term grain yield. Appropriate crop rotation is often practiced as an alternative strategy to overcome the negative side effects of intensive cropping. Although soil microbial diversity and community structure have been shown to respond differently to altered agricultural management practices, little is known about possible links between crop rotation and grain yield on bacterial communities in rice paddy soil. In this study, we investigated the impact of specific rotational crops and compared it with intensive rice cultivation. The main crop rice (Oryza sativa) was rotated with maize (Zea mays) and mungbean (Phaseolus aureus) in different combinations in a system cultivating three crops per year. Soil bacterial communities were studied in two different cropping periods using pyrosequencing of the variable V4 region of the 16S rRNA. Our results showed that rotation with alternative crops increased rice yield by 24–46% depending on rotation structure and that bacterial community structure was altered in the presence of mungbean and/or maize compared to that in rice monoculture. In the crop rotation systems, composition, abundance, and diversity of soil bacterial communities were significantly different and higher than those in rice monoculture. Our results show that effects of crop rotation relate to changes in soil bacterial community structure suggesting that appropriate crop rotations provide a feasible practice to maintain the equilibrium in soil microbial environment for sustainable rice cultivation.     

Climate change in Asia: A review of the vulnerability and adaptation of crop production

A number of studies have provided quantitative assessments of the potential climate change impacts on crop production in Asia. Estimates take into account (a) uncertainty in the level of climate change expected, using a range of climate change scenarios; (b) physiological effects of carbon dioxide on the crops; and (c) different adaptive responses. In all cases, the effects of climate change induced by increased atmospheric carbon dioxide depended on the counteracting effects among higher daily evapotranspiration rates, shortening of crop growth duration, and changes in precipitation patterns, as well as the effects of carbon dioxide on crop growth and water-use efficiency. Although results varied depending on the geographical locations of the regions tested, the production of rice (the main food crop in the region) generally did not benefit from climate change. In South and Southeast Asia, there is concern about how climate change may affect El Niño/Southern Oscillation events, since these play a key role in determining agricultural production. Furthermore, problems arising from variability of water availability and soil degradation are currently major challenges to agriculture in the region. These problems may be exacerbated in the future if global climate change projections are realized. Many studies have considered strategies for improving agricultural management, based on the optimization of crop management decisions. Climate change analyses could be further strengthened by economic studies that integrate the potential use of natural resources across sectors.     

鄱阳湖生态经济区农作物生产碳效率的时空变化

提高农作物生产的碳效率是实现低碳农业的重要途径之一,对我国应对气候变化、实现减排目标有着重要的意义。本研究基于鄱阳湖生态经济区主要农作物生产过程中的碳投入量和产出量,对鄱阳湖生态经济区县域农业碳效率进行了估算,分析了研究区农作物生产碳效率的时空变化。结果表明:(1)鄱阳湖生态经济区农作物碳的生产效率从2000年的9.27 kg·kg-1(CE)增长到2010年的10.16 kg·kg-1(CE),经济效率由2000年的10.73 Yuan·kg-1(CE)下降到2010年的9.25 Yuan·kg-1(CE),生态效率从2000年的1.76 kg(C)·kg-1(CE)上升至2010年的1.94 kg(C)·kg-1(CE);(2)鄱阳湖生态经济区农作物碳效率的空间分布呈现较为明显的集聚特征,主要年份高效率区大都集中于该区的东南部地区,低效率区主要集中在九江地区各县(市);(3)在碳投入一定的情况下,农作物碳的生产效率受农业发展水平和农作物经济产量的影响,经济效率受粮食产量和价格的影响,生态效率则主要受农业碳产出的影响。(4)鄱阳湖生态经济区大部分县(市)为碳汇区,且高碳汇区逐年增多。     

全生育期UV-B辐射增强对棉花生长及光合作用的影响

植物光合系统是UV-B辐射最初和最重要的作用靶标。本文在大田条件下进行紫外灯照射处理,研究全生育期UV-B辐射增强(高于环境20%和40%)对棉花形态、干物质积累、光合色素和产量的影响,并通过分析棉花主茎功能叶片的气体交换参数和叶绿素荧光参数,探讨UV-B辐射增强影响棉花光合作用的机制。结果表明,UV-B辐射增强抑制了棉花生长和干物质积累,籽棉产量显著降低,且UV-B辐射越强,抑制作用越明显。随UV-B辐射的增强,棉花主茎功能叶的净光合速率(P_n)在各生育期均显著降低,叶绿素含量呈先升高后降低趋势,气孔导度(Gs)和蒸腾速率(Tr)未发生变化,胞间CO_2浓度(Ci)反而升高,说明P_n下降主要由非气孔限制因素造成。对叶绿素荧光参数的分析表明,PSⅡ的最大光化学量子产率(F_v/F_m)、实际光化学量子效率(ΦPSII)、线性电子传递速率(ETR)和光化学淬灭系数(qP)随着UV-B辐射的增强而降低,非光化学猝灭系数(NPQ)则显著升高,且各叶绿素荧光参数与Pn变化均显著相关;慢速弛豫NPQ(NPQS)及其在NPQ中的比例均随UV-B辐射的增强而显著提高,表明PSⅡ反应中心受损,光化学效率降低。以上结果证明,全生育期UV-B辐射增强降低了棉花的光合叶面积、叶绿素含量和净光合速率,引起棉花生长与物质积累受抑,产量降低。UV-B辐射增强引起的光合速率下降与PSⅡ反应中心遭到破坏密切相关。