UV-B radiation escalate allelopathic effect of benzoic acid on Solanum lycopersicum L.

- The present study highlights the interactive effects of UV-B radiation and benzoic acid on Solanum lycopersicum.
- UV-B exposure escalates benzoic acid toxicity.
- BA and UV-B stress suppresses the plant growth and development by affecting the photosynthetic process in plants.
- Enhanced level of antioxidant enzymes activity under BA and UV-B exposure shows its toxic effects.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the impact of UV-B radiation and benzoic acid (BA) on growth and metabolism of Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Pusa ruby. Benzoic acid and UV-B radiation have impact on growth and development of Solanum. BA treatment in two concentrations 0.5 mM and 1.0 mM and UV-B alone and in combination (UV + BA) reduced root and shoot growth and biomass of the seedlings. BA with and without UV-B has negative impact on pigment, protein and sugar contents of the seedlings. Carotenoids showed varied responses to the stresses. BA decreased carotenoid content while UV-B increased the level of carotenoids. Lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage also increased under both stresses. Antioxidant enzyme activities significantly enhanced under BA treatment, but increase was further escalated when seedlings simultaneously exposed to UV-B radiation. It is evident that UV-B radiation enhanced the toxicity of BA in Solanum seedlings.