Influence of low-intensity ultraviolet radiation on extrusion of furanocoumarins to the leaf surface.

Exposure ofRuta graveolens leaves to low intensity 366-nm radiation led to a ca. 20% increase in concentrations of the furanocoumarins psoralen, xanthotoxin and bergapten, as compared to leaves kept in darkness. Both direct and, even more, scattered UV radiation produced increases in total concentrations. Changes in the concentrations of individual coumarins were generally parallel. Extrusion to the surface was increased, especially in lower, older leaves exposed to the scattered radiation, where it exceeded the control by factors of eight or nine. It is suggested that this response could enhance shielding of leaves against penetration of UV into the cells and that irradiation, by exciting the furanocoumarins, could augment protection against potential microbial invaders.