Effect of Waterlogging on Growth and Productivity of Fruit Crops

Abstract

Τhe production of fresh fruit as well as olive orchards is increasing around the world, in order to meet the global demand for both fruits and olive products. This results in the spread and establishment of fruit and olive tree cultivation in areas where they were not found before, for example, plains and lowlands prone to waterlogging. Climate change is having a significant impact on the natural environment. Agricultural open-field crops have less growth and yield under these harsh weather conditions. Nowadays, unpredictable rainfall more often exposes field crops to waterlogging on a regular basis. This is a very stressful factor which can cause a reduction in yield and even total crop elimination. In this review, the morphological and physiological parameters affected by waterlogging are developed in order to understand better how olive and other fruit crops respond to waterlogging conditions and how this affects their development and productivity. Having a better understanding of these mechanisms can help us design strategies and approaches to increase fruit crop resistance to waterlogging stress.