Damage repair effect of He–Ne laser on wheat exposed to enhanced ultraviolet-B radiation

We explored the use of He–Ne laser on alleviating the effects of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) light on winter wheat development. Triticum aestivum L. cv. Linyuan 077038 seeds were irradiated with either UV-B (10.08 kJ m−2 d−1) (enhanced UV-B) or a combination of UV-B light and the He–Ne laser (5.43 mW mm−2). Plants also were exposed to the He–Ne laser alone. Our results showed that enhanced UV-B produced negative effects on seed germination and seedling development. Germination rate and shoot growth decreased compared with the control. Root development was inhibited, and root length was decreased. Chlorophyll content and expression of peroxidase (POD) isozymes and their activity decreased. Seedling height and shoot biomass dropped significantly compared to the control. Implementing the He–Ne laser partially alleviated the injury of enhanced UV-B radiation, because germination rate and shoot growth were enhanced together with root development. Chlorophyll content and POD expression and activity increased. Seedling height and shoot biomass were increased. Furthermore, the use of the He–Ne laser alone showed a favorable effect on seedling growth compared with the control.

► Enhanced UV-B produced negative effects on seed germination and seedling development.
► Chlorophyll content and peroxidase (POD) isozymes expression and their activity decreased in UV-B treatment.
► Implementing He–Ne laser partially alleviated the injury of enhanced UV-B radiation.
► He–Ne laser alone resulted in favorable effects on seedling growth compared with the control.