Ultraviolet radiation has an important effect on plants: it damages their DNA and induces changes in plant transpiration, photosynthesis, respiratory potential, growth, development and morphology. Drought has similarly debilitating effects, significantly reducing harvesting potential. Both drought and ultraviolet radiation are reflected in altered optical properties of leaves and consequently in altered energy balance. The effect of ultraviolet radiation and drought are key environmental factors of this research, in which their effects have been studied from functional, structural and biochemical plant properties points of view. The research has been done using proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) and was experimental by nature. We used 96 proso millet plants as a sample; at the end of May, proso millet was planted in pots and then exposed to different factors: natural and reduced ultraviolet radiation, sufficient and insufficient water supply. Once the plants have reached reproductive phase, we have studied the morphological structure of their leaves and their biochemical and optical properties. The findings of this post-graduate thesis will enrich knowledge about agricultural plants' ecology.
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