Effects of UV-irradiation on seed germination

The advent of depletion of the ozone layer with the reported subsequent increase of UV-irradiation has led to heightened interest in the effects of UV light on cellular organisms. In this study, the effects of UV-irradiation was studied on the germination of kale, cabbage, radish and agave seeds. In all cases, UV light sped the germination of these seeds but the subsequent growth of the seedlings was markedly retarded. Pictures, taken at day 15, are presented to show this latter effect and the possible effects of UV-irradiation on seed germination are discussed.