Climate change and ozone depletion have caused increased ultraviolet B (UVB; 280-315nm) radiation levels on earth, which has been predicted to cause decreased growth and yield of various crops, including rice, the most important staple food worldwide. UVB radiation sensitivity varies extensively in Asian rice (Oryza sativa L.) and African rice (Oryza glaberrima Steud. and Oryza barthii A. Chev.) cultivars, and the activity of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) photolyase that repairs UVB-induced CPD is an essential factor underlying UVB sensitivity in rice. |
