Effect of supplementary ultraviolet-B radiation on the growth, productivity and chlorophyll of field grown linseed crop

Linseed plants (Linum usitatissimum L.) were grown outdoors in the field and exposed to supplementary UV-B radiation (300–320 nm) provided by filtered Sunlamps for 1h and 4h daily at noon time from seedling emergence to-maturity. The effect of 1h daily exposure showed positive response on yield and total net productivity (TNP). However, 4h exposure caused a marked reduction in growth, biomass, chlorophyll pigments, yield and net productivity of the crop. The decline in chlorophyll content may reflect the reduction in biomass accumulation.