Since artificial uv radiation does not match the natural variety, it is difficult to do controlled scientific experiments which clarify the effects of uv radiation on plant life.
Some terrestrial plants seem to be more sensitive than others.
Some species that appear particularly sensitive are barley, oats, sweet corn, soybeans, peas, tomatoes, cucumbers, cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots. However, within these plant species, some species have varieties that appear to be more resistant. Phytoplankton Phytoplankton are algae at the bottom of the oceanic food chain. Besides being food for fish, they are a sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide and also release dimethyl sulfoxide into the air, a substance important for cloud formation. Phytoplankton generally are present just below the ocean surface, so they do not benefit much from the attenuation of uv radiation in water.