Estimating the Potential Negative Effects of Elevated Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) Radiation on Global Agricultural Sustainability: Status, Challenges and Recommendations.

The Globe is suffering from harsh environmental and climatological stresses because of the massive emissions from greenhouse gases (GHG). High temperatures, ozone layer depletion and excess levels of UV radiation, are becoming more predominant. Although UV-B is representing only less than 0.5 % of the total solar radiation, however the ozone depletion creates serious concerns related to elevated levels of UV-B radiation (280-320 nm). It is expected that the amount of UV-B will keep increasing in the range of 5-10 % over temperature latitude within the coming 10 years. The damages effect of UV-B radiation really differ according to the sensitivity of the plant species, exposure period and dose received. High levels of UV-B has the ability to damage the living organisms by destructing the DNA and apply severe changes in the membrane and protein denaturation. In addition, this type of radiation could alter the plant’s physiology and therefore affects the vegetation growth and development. The UV-B radiation could be serious threat for agriculture as it reduces the terrestrial plant productivity by about 6%. Indeed, such an issue is mainly important when considering the global food production required to feed 9 billion people by 2050. Consequently, the influence of UV-B would significantly affect the agricultural sustainability in the globe. Thus, will interrupt the integration within the Agricultural sustainability systems: the natural environment, economic vitality and healthy communities. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to review the status of the harmful effects of UV-B radiation on the sustainable agricultural system, as well as, identifying the potential key challenges. Also, advocate recommendations to maintain sustainable agriculture system without compromising future generation.

Keywords:  ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation, Sustainability, agriculture, global warming, climate change, environment, economy, community, global, food security