Selection of Tomato and Cucumber Accessions for Waterlogging Sensitivity through Morpho-Physiological Assessment at an Early Vegetative Stage

Anna Kołton,Kinga Kęska,Małgorzata Czernicka

doi:10.3390/agronomy10101490

Anna Kołton, Kinga Kęska + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10101490

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Abstract

Waterlogging anomalies have recently increased, causing a reduction in yield and the loss of billions of dollars. Plant selection for increased tolerance to stress factors requires parameters with high sensitivity, as well as fast and inexpensive measurements. The aim of this study was to select tomato and cucumber accessions that reveal sensitivity and tolerance to waterlogging stress at an early vegetative stage. The selection of effective criteria for assessing plants was also an important issue. A total of 19 cucumber (including four highly homozygous) and 16 tomato accessions were evaluated, and plants with three true leaves were examined. The root zone of stressed plants was waterlogged for 7 days in a deep container. Morphological and physiological characteristics were obtained after 7 days of treatment and used for cluster analysis for discrimination of tolerant and sensitive accessions. Significant decreases in Fv/F0, Fv/Fm, Area, PI ABS, ET0/ABS, and ET0/TR0 parameters, as well as increases in DI0/RC, were observed in sensitive accessions, with no changes in tolerant plants. The OJIP test parameters (Fv/F0, PI ABS, DI0/RC, and Area) were more sensitive in selecting for waterlogging stress than Fv/Fm. The present research can be used in breeding programs. Selected accessions will support a detailed explanation of the physiological differences in response to waterlogging stress in tomato and cucumber plants.

Highlights

As a result of climate change, waterlogging events have increased, causing billions of dollars’ worth of crop losses [1,2,3]
The photosynthesis process can be hypoxia stress changes the functioning of the shoots
It is reasonable to study the intensity of photosynthesis or chlorophyll a fluorescence during stresses involving the root system, such as hypoxia, salinity, or others that interfere in the functioning of the plant

Summary

Introduction

As a result of climate change, waterlogging events have increased, causing billions of dollars’ worth of crop losses [1,2,3]. The yield loss caused by waterlogging may vary between 15% and 80%, depending on the species (cotton, maize, wheat, rice, and soybean); soil type; and the duration of stress [4,5]. A reduction in the yield of vegetables due to flooding stress has been observed, in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) by 40% and sweet potato Understanding the morphological, physiological, and molecular mechanisms that underlie waterlogging (WL) tolerance presents a challenge to research. An ideal WL-tolerant cultivar should survive waterlogging, and rapidly recover to the control level [4]

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