Abstract
Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn) is a staple crop of the Mediterranean countries, where more frequent waterlogging events are predicted due to climate change. However, few investigations have been conducted on the physiological and agronomic responses of this crop to waterlogging. The present study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of two waterlogging durations (i.e., 14 and 35 days) on two durum wheat cultivars (i.e., Svevo and Emilio Lepido). An integrated analysis of an array of physiological, biochemical, biometric, and yield parameters was performed at the end of the waterlogging events, during recovery, and at physiological maturity. Results established that effects on durum wheat varied depending on waterlogging duration. This stress imposed at tillering impaired photosynthetic activity of leaves and determined oxidative injury of the roots. The physiological damages could not be fully recovered, subsequently slowing down tiller formation and crop growth, and depressing the final grain yield. Furthermore, differences in waterlogging tolerance between cultivars were discovered. Our results demonstrate that in durum wheat, the energy maintenance, the cytosolic ion homeostasis, and the ROS control and detoxification can be useful physiological and biochemical parameters to consider for the waterlogging tolerance of genotypes, with regard to sustaining biomass production and grain yield.
Highlights
Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn) is one of the oldest cultivated cereals and plays a pivotal role in global food security
Our results demonstrate that in durum wheat, the energy maintenance, the cytosolic ion homeostasis, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) control and detoxification can be useful physiological and biochemical parameters to consider for the waterlogging tolerance of genotypes, with regard to sustaining biomass production and grain yield
Photosynthesis rates can be inhibited by non-stomatal factors, e.g., oxidative injury [10] caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide radicals, and hydrogen radicals which impair mesophyll conductance [13], and harm photosystem II (PSII), causing cellular damage and leaf chlorosis related to chlorophyll degradation [14,15]
Summary
Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn) is one of the oldest cultivated cereals and plays a pivotal role in global food security. Gas diffusion through soil pores is inhibited, so the oxygen (O2) concentration decreases rapidly, while the carbon dioxide (CO2) and ethylene concentrations increase in the root environment [7]. From a physiological point of view, excess water accumulation in the root zone can induce osmotic stress and disrupt cell ion homeostasis. To cope with such stressful conditions, plants tend to accumulate compounds called osmoprotectans (such as free amino acids, non-structural carbohydrates, and quaternary ammonium substances), as their accumulation may decrease the osmotic potential [9,10]. The impaired root functioning under waterlogging affects the physiological responses of the shoots, the carbon fixation. Photosynthesis rates can be inhibited by non-stomatal factors, e.g., oxidative injury [10] caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide radicals, and hydrogen radicals which impair mesophyll conductance [13], and harm photosystem II (PSII), causing cellular damage and leaf chlorosis related to chlorophyll degradation [14,15]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
