UV-B reduction and excess: Management strategies regarding Coffea sp. crop

Coffee is the second most consumed beverage in the world, playing an important role in the global economy, but several studies have shown that this crop can suffer significant impacts due to abiotic stress caused by climate changes such as increased exposure to the solar UV radiation. This imposes detrimental impacts on plants (e.g., lipoperoxidation, protein and DNA degradation, photosynthesis, growth and development impairment), both through direct (due to its high energy) and indirect (e.g., reactive oxygen species production) ways. However, plants also respond positively in a variety of ways to UV radiation excess and exclusion, by increasing their environmental resistance, and promoting growth. Despite the economic importance of the coffee crop, there are few studies addressing the fact that current UV radiation levels might already impose growth and yield limitations on the crop. Here, we discuss, first, the aspects of UV radiation and climate changes; secondly, review the morphological, anatomical, physiological and biochemical impacts of UV radiation on plants, in particular coffee, where UV radiation can cause modification in biomass accumulation and allocation; third, review the effects of UV on gene expression, and, finally, suggest potential strategies to mitigate UV impact on this crop sustainability, altogether with possible future research directions.

Automated summary

Coffee, the second most consumed beverage in the world, plays a vital role in the global economy. However, studies have shown that climate change-induced increase in UV radiation can significantly impact coffee crops. UV radiation can negatively affect the morphology, anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of coffee plants, leading to growth and yield limitations. On the other hand, plants can respond positively to UV radiation through increased environmental resistance and growth promotion.