LAUSR

Abiotic stresses notably higher ultraviolet-B (UV-B) limits the growth and productivity of large numbers of crop plants but the information on responses of grasses against UV-B radiation is rather limited. Present study is therefore conducted to elaborate our understanding of differential age-wise response on growth, metabolic responses and fodder quality of Cenchrus ciliaris-3108 (Buffel grasses) to elevated UV-B (eUV-B; +7.2 kJ m-2 d-1 ). Plant growth at both the growth stages showed notable reductions except number of -nodes and -tillers at vegetative and reproductive stages, respectively. At the time of anthesis, the tillering increased due to perennial habit of plant but the defoliation of senesced leaves reduced the number of leaves per tiller. High ambient along with eUV-B at vegetative stage resulted in diversion of photosynthates for the formation of more secondary metabolites (tannins and phenolics) providing dual protection to plants from photooxidative damage due to high UV-B as well as from herbivory. The forage biomass as well as quality showed marked decline under eUV-B and relative nutritive value reduced at both the growth stages.