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Sun protection

Plants and their sun protection

Sunlight is vital to survival. Not only for humans and animals, but also for the plant world. Sun protection is also an issue for plants.

When we reported on sun protection in the bird world, the topic of UV protection was addressed relatively quickly. Birds have an almost perfect way to protect themselves from the rays with their feather coat. Similar to our clothing. For other animals, looking closely was a bit more interesting and, from the point of view of evolution, also more exciting. Perhaps next time you see an elephant covered in dirt at the zoo, you'll remember you forgot your sunscreen. 

If we now look around the plant world, take a detour into the desert and have the image of the large lonely cactus in our mind, the topic seems to be relatively simple once again. The desert cactus wants sunshine, needs warmth and doesn't seem to care about UV radiation. Okay, we have probably chosen the most robust representative from the plant world when it comes to sun tolerance. 

In general, however, it is the same with plants as with us humans. They need the sun to grow and thrive. If the irradiation is too intense, it will damage them. The burnt lawn in high summer or the dried out potted plant on the sun terrace are clear examples here. We like to emphasize it again and again: It is the dose that makes the poison. too much of it is too much.

For plants, the equation is very simple: No sun – No photosynthesis = No energy and no new cell components. Photosynthesis is not only important for plants, but also for us humans. Plants are able to produce glucose and oxygen through precisely this photosynthesis after absorbing light and carbon dioxide. 

Too much UV-B radiation damages genetic material and proteins of the plants, resulting in mutations. Flowers are particularly sensitive to this. To a certain extent, plants can protect themselves against harmful radiation through the so-called secondary plant substances, e.g. flavonoids and carotenoids. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology have found and identified an ingredient that provides plants with special protection against UV-B radiation. They were then able to give the newly discovered ingredient class a name: Saiginole. "We used the old Japanese word saigiru, which stands for blockage or interruption. We have added the typical suffix “nol” for the substance group of flavonols," explains Dr Takayuki Tohge in a press release from the Max Planck Institute.

UV protection for animals

Animals aren't newcomers to the topic of sun protection. In many cases, sun protection is also heat protection.

More information

Similar to sun protection for humans, research into UV protection in the plant world is constantly developing. The influence of changing light conditions on photosynthesis and the plant’s own sun protection is cited as an example of ongoing research. Especially with regard to crop yields for crops and their protection in high summer, upcoming studies and research are of particular importance. Science never sleeps and always stays curious. There is still a lot to discover and we can still learn from nature today. 

But how can we protect our own plants, shrubs and grasses from sunburn in a completely non-scientific way? Giving water and shadow are two proven methods. But when watering, remember to never turn on the water hose in the strong midday sun. Morning or evening are the best times to give your plants the cooling they need.