Effects of supplemental UV-B radiation on flower and pod formation in soybean (Glycine max L.) crop.

Global climate change components such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration, temperature and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation are continuously increasing. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of season-long exposures of supplemental UV-B. Effect of supplemental UV-B radiation on the flower and fruit formation in soybean was assessed. Supplemental UV-B radiation was given by halogen lamps. The study reveals that the number of flower was increased when plants were exposed to longer (2 and 3 hour) supplemental UV-B radiation in comparison to control. Pod formation was promoted at all supplemental UV-B radiation but it was observed maximum at shorter exposure (1 hour) of supplemental UV-B. At the maturity of the crop, the pod formation was recorded highest at 1 hr than at 2 hr and 3 hr supplemental UV-B radiation when compared with control. Overall results indicated that supplemental UV-B radiation promoted the growth of flower and fruit in soybean (Glycine max L.) crop.