Exposure of broad bean seedlings either germinated in dark conditions and/or in light conditions (40 W, low intensity and 160 W; high intensity) during germination to UV-A_365nm and UV-C_254nm for one hour daily throughout the entire period of the experiment (six days), led to significant decrease in all growth parameters determined (length of radicle, length of plumule, water content, fresh weight and dry weight) as compared with control seedlings. Significant changes were observed in the amount and in the relative composition of photosynthetic parameters (Chl a, Chl b, Chl a+b, Chl a/b, Cars, Total pigments) of the variously treated broad beans in relation to control samples. Photosynthetic activity expressed in the present work as the reduction of 2,6-DCPIP (PS II activity) of the differently treated broad beans showed variable significant changes as compared with control seedlings throughout the entire period of the experiment. These results are discussed mainly on the basis of the mechanism of action of UV radiation on growth and metabolic changes in broad beans during germination in dark or in light conditions.