Particular variety of tobacco Nicotiana tabacum) exhibits distinct morphological and physiological responses against periodic waterlogging stress

Abstract

Waterlogging Stress influences crop productivity, especially high commercial crop like tobacco, which is very sensitive to an excess of water. This type of environmental stress might happen because of unpredictable season occurred in tropical region, including Indonesia. Global climate change as a consequence of rapid growing industries all over the world might responsible for this. This study aims to investigate the response of some Nicotiana tabacum varieties which are treated with periodic waterlogging stress. Some morphological aspects including plant height, stem diameter, leaves width and the emergence of adventitious roots were investigated. In addition, total chlorophyll content was also measured as physiological parameter. Three different varieties are used such as var. Jepon Pelakean, Jinten, Manilo and Morakot. Data were analyzed using One-Way Annova followed by Tukey post-hoc analysis. In all morphological aspects var. Jepon Pelakean demonstrated best responses compared to other varieties. Meanwhile, we observed a sharp decline of total chlorophyll content in var. Manilo under this periodic waterlogging stress. The overall results suggest that each variety of tobacco possess a specific mechanism against periodic waterlogging stress.