The aim of this work was to assess whether or not oxidative stress had developed in a dwarf shrub bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) under long-term exposure to enhanced levels of ultraviolet-B (u.v.-B) radiation. The bilberry plants were exposed to increased u.v.-B representing a 15% stratospheric ozone depletion for seven full growing seasons (1991–1997) at Abisko, Swedish Lapland (68°N). The oxidative stress was assessed on leaves and stems by analysing ascorbate and glutathione concentrations, and activities of the closely related enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11) and glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2). The affects of autumnal leaf senescence and stem cold hardening on these variables were also considered. The results showed that the treatment caused scarcely any response in the studied variables, indicating that u.v.-B flux representing a 15% ozone depletion under clear sky conditions is not sufficient to cause oxidative stress in the bilberry. It is suggested that no strain was evoked since adaptation was possible under such u.v.-B increases. The studied variables did, however, respond significantly to leaf senescence and especially to stem cold hardening.

Birch (Betula pendula Roth) seedlings were grown under enhanced u.v.-B radiation and simulated forest-soil conditions, after which individual secondary metabolites were determined in the leaves. It was found that not all of the u.v.-absorbing secondary metabolites of the seedlings responded to supplementary u.v.-B radiation. Under increased u.v.-B radiation, significant increases in concentration were observed only for the major flavonoid, quercitrin, the minor flavonoid, myricetin-3-galactoside, and for chlorogenic acid. On the other hand, 3,4′dihydroxypropiophenone-3-β-D-glucopyranoside decreased under u.v.-B irradiation. The concentration of phenolic compounds in the leaves changed during the growing season (between two harvests) but this change was not related to u.v.-B enhancement. A low availability of mineral nutrients did not impair the capacity of the seedlings to accumulate u.v.-protecting phenolic compounds under increased u.v.-B radiation. The growth conditions used might have affected the intracellular concentrations of secondary metabolites, and thus furnished the birch seedlings with an increased tolerance of u.v.-B radiation. These findings point to the significance of certain phenolic components in the protection of deciduous trees against u.v.-B radiation.