Enhancing white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) adaptation to calcareous soils through selection of lime-tolerant plant germplasm and Bradyrhizobium strains

Aims

This study aimed to determine whether white lupin adaptation to moderately calcareous soils could be enhanced by lime-tolerant plants and Bradyrhizobium strains.

Methods

Fourteen landraces from Italy, Morocco and Egypt and some cultivars were grown in moderate-lime (ML) and low-lime (LL) soil with each of two inoculants, one commercial and one including three Bradyrhizobium strains well-nodulating under ML soil (isolated from other lupin species). Grain yield and above-ground biomass were assessed in large artificial environments that mimicked field conditions. Shoot, root and nodulation traits at onset of flowering were studied in a pot experiment.

Results

ML soil severely reduced plant yield, growth and nodulation but increased the harvest index relative to LL. Top-yielding genotypes for grain yield displayed significant rank inversion across soil types (P < 0.05). Lime-tolerant genotypes reduced their nodulation in ML soil less than limesusceptible ones. Some landraces outperformed the reference lime-tolerant cultivar Giza 1 in ML soil. One Italian landrace had a lime-tolerant response across agricultural locations. The Moroccan inoculant provided greater nodulation, more shoot residues but similar grain yield in ML soil, and less grain and shoot residues in LL soil, compared with the commercial inoculant.

Conclusions

Lupin adaptation to ML soil can be improved mainly through selection of lime-tolerant plants.     

Comparison of As sequestration in iron plaque and uptake by different genotypes of rice plants grown in As-contaminated paddy soils

Background and aims

Limited information is available on comparing the iron plaque formation capabilities and their effect on arsenic (As) uptake by different rice plant genotypes grown in As-contaminated soils. This study investigates the effect of iron plaque on As uptake in different rice genotypes grown in As-contaminated soils from the Guandu Plain of northern Taiwan.

Methods

Twenty-eight rice genotypes including 14 japonica and 14 indica genotypes were used in this study. Rice seedlings were grown in As-contaminated soils for 38 days. The iron plaque formed on the rice roots were extracted using dithionite–citrate–bicarbonate. The concentrations of As, Fe, and P in soil solutions, iron plaque, and plants were measured. The speciation of As in the root’s iron plaque was determined by As K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy (XANES).

Results

The amounts of iron plaque formation on roots were significantly different among 28 tested rice genotypes, and 75.7–92.8 % of As uptake from soils could be sequestered in iron plaque. However, there were no significant negative correlations between the amounts of Fe or As in the iron plaque and the content of As accumulated in rice plants of tested genotypes. XANES data showed that arsenate was the predominant As species in iron plaque, and there were difference in the distribution of As species among different rice genotypes.

Conclusions

The iron plaque can sequester most of As uptake from soils no matter what rice genotypes used in this study. However, the iron plaque alone did not control the extent of As accumulation in rice plants from As-contaminated soils among 28 tested rice genotypes. Low As uptake genotypes of rice selected from this study can be recommended to be grown in the As-contaminated soils.     

Restoration of high altitude forests in an area affected by a wildfire: Polylepis australis Bitt. seedlings performance after soil inoculation

Key message

Outplanted Polylepis australis seedling growth, survival and mycorrhizal response were not influenced by inoculation with soil from different vegetation types. Seedling inoculation would not be essential for reforestation practices.

Abstract

Polylepis forests are one of the most endangered high mountain ecosystems of South America and reforestation with native Polylepis species has been recommended. To determine whether native soil inoculation could help in reforestation success, a field trial was set up to evaluate the response of outplanted P. australis seedlings to the inoculation with soils from three vegetation types (a grassland, a mature forest and a degraded forest) and a sterile soil, used as control. We evaluated seedlings performance: growth and survival for 18 months, root/shoot ratio, phosphorous content and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) colonization. To interpret performance patterns we evaluated the colonization potential of the three inoculum soils and the changes of the AMF community composition of the seedlings rhizosphere in relation to inoculation treatment and season. Our main results showed no significant differences in seedlings survival and growth between treatments. The colonization potential of grassland and degraded forest soils was ~25 times greater than mature forest soil and specific spore density of some morphospecies varied with season. However, AMF spore community of seedlings rhizosphere became homogenized after outplanting and was similar between treatments after 12 months. Therefore, we conclude that soil inoculation is not essential for outplanted P. australis survival and increase in height, and thus all the tested soils could be used as inocula, including grassland soils which in practice are the easiest to collect.     

Savanna soil fertility limits growth but not survival of tropical forest tree seedlings

Background and Aims

Cerradão (Brazilian woodland savannas) and seasonally dry forests (SDF) from southeastern Brazil occur under the same climate but are remarkably distinct in species composition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of soil origin in the initial growth and distribution of SDF and Cerradão species.

Methods

We conducted a greenhouse experiment growing Cerradão and SDF tree seedlings over their soil and the soil of the contrasting vegetation type. We evaluated soil nutrient availability and seedling survivorship, growth and leaf functional traits.

Results

Despite the higher nutrient availability in SDF soils, soil origin did not affect seedling survivorship. The three SDF species demonstrated home-soil advantage, enhanced growth with increasing soil nutrient availability and had higher growth rates than Cerradão species, even on Cerradão soils. Growth of Cerradão seedlings was not higher on Cerradão soil and, overall, was not positively correlated with soil nutrient availability.

Conclusions

SDF species are fast-growing species while Cerradão trees tend to be slow-growing species. Although savanna soil reduces growth of forest species, our findings suggest that soil chemical attributes, alone, does not exclude the occurrence of SDF seedlings in Cerradão and vice-versa.     

Field application of a DNA-based assay to the measurement of roots of perennial grasses

Background and aims

DNA-based methods present new opportunities for overcoming the difficulties of accurately identifying and quantifying roots of different plant species in field soils. In order to quantify species-specific root biomass from measurements of DNA, consideration needs to be given to replication and ability to recover roots for calibration purposes in order to account for spatial, temporal and inter- and intra-species variation in DNA content of roots and distribution of roots within the soil profile.

Methods

This paper develops the field application of a DNA-based technique for direct quantification of roots in soils. The method was applied to a field experiment to investigate differences in root growth of acid-soil resistant and sensitive genotypes of perennial pasture grasses in an acid soil. DNA was extracted directly from soil and species-specific DNA was quantified using quantitative real-time PCR prior to estimation of root biomass.

Results

Root growth of the perennial grasses was quantified using the DNA-based technique, although separate calibration procedures were needed to convert DNA content to root mass for each species, soil layer and sampling date. Compared to acid-soil resistant genotypes, lesser root growth in acid soil layers and reduced above-ground dry matter production was observed for acid-soil sensitive genotypes.

Conclusions

The DNA-based method allowed genotypic differences in root growth to be assessed directly in soil and was advantageous for rapid processing of a large number of samples. However, high replication was still required to overcome spatial variability and separate calibrations were required for different species and soil depths across sampling times. The technique demonstrated greater root growth of acid-soil resistant perennial grasses which was beneficial for their establishment and persistence.     

Fine scale measurement and mapping of uranium in soil solution in soil and plant-soil microcosms, with special reference to depleted uranium

Background and aims

Residues from use of depleted uranium (DU) munitions pose a lasting environmental impact through persistent contamination of soils. Consequently, an understanding of the factors determining the fate of DU in soil is necessary. An understudied factor is the interaction of root exudates with DU. This study describes the use of ‘Single-Cell-Sampling-and-Analysis’ (SiCSA) for the first time in soil and investigates the effects of root exudates on DU dissolution.

Methods

Soil solutions from soil and plant-soil microcosms containing DU fragments were sampled and analysed using SiCSA and capillary electrophoresis/ICP-MS for organic acids and uranium.

Results

Nanolitre volumes of soil solution were sampled and analysed. Soils with DU fragments but no citrate addition showed low uranium concentrations in contrast to those with added citrate. Lupin root exudation gave concentrations up to 8 mM citrate and 4.4 mM malate in soil solution which solubilised DU fragments yielding transient solution concentrations of up to 30 mM.

Conclusions

Root exudates solubilise DU giving high localised soil solution concentrations. This should be considered when assessing the environmental risk of DU munitions. The SiCSA method was used successfully in soil for the first time and enables investigations with high spatial and temporal resolution in the rhizosphere.

Spatial patterns of total and available N and P at alpine treeline

Background and aims

Vegetation can have direct and indirect effects on soil nutrients. To test the effects of trees on soils, we examined the patterns of soil nutrients and nutrient ratios at two spatial scales: at sites spanning the alpine tundra/subalpine forest ecotone (ecotone scale), and beneath and beyond individual tree canopies within the transitional krummholz zone (tree scale).

Methods

Soils were collected and analyzed for total carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) as well as available N and P on Niwot Ridge in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Results

Total C, N, and P were higher in the krummholz zone than the forest or tundra. Available P was also greatest in the krummholz zone while available N increased from the forest to the tundra. Throughout the krummholz zone, total soil nutrients and available P were higher downwind compared to upwind of trees.

Conclusions

The krummholz zone in general, and downwind of krummholz trees in particular, are zones of nutrient accumulation. This pattern indicates that the indirect effects of trees on soils are more important than the direct effects. The higher N:P ratios in the tundra suggest nutrient dynamics differ from the lower elevation sites. We propose that evaluating soil N and P simultaneously in soils may provide a robust assay of ecosystem nutrient limitation.     

Edaphic influences of ophiolitic substrates on vegetation in the Western Italian Alps

Background and aims

Soils derived from serpentinite (serpentine soils) often have low macronutrient concentrations, exceedingly low Ca:Mg molar ratios and high heavy metal concentrations, typically resulting in sparse vegetative cover. This combined suite of edaphic stresses is referred to as the “serpentine syndrome.” Although several plant community-level studies have been conducted to identify the most important edaphic factor limiting plant growth on serpentine, the primary factor identified has often varied by plant community and local climate. Few studies to date have been conducted in serpentine plant communities of alpine or boreal climates. The goal of our study was to determine the primary limiting edaphic factors on plant community species composition and productivity (cover) in the alpine and boreal climate of the Western Alps, Italy.

Methods

Soil properties and vegetation composition were analyzed for several sites underlain by serpentinite, gabbro, and calc-schist substrates and correlated using direct and indirect statistical methods.

Results

Boreal forest soils were well-developed and tended to have low pH throughout the soil profile resulting in high Ni availability. Alpine soils, in comparison, were less developed. The distinct serpentine plant communities of the Western Alps are most strongly correlated with high levels of bioavailable Ni associated with low soil pH. Other factors such as macronutrient deficiency, low Ca:Mg molar ratio and drought appear to be less important.

Conclusions

The strong ecological influence of Ni is caused by environmental conditions which increase metal mobilization.     

Longleaf and loblolly pine seedlings respond differently to soil compaction,water content,and fertilization

Aims

Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) is being restored across the U.S. South for a multitude of ecological and economic reasons, but our understanding of longleaf pine’s response to soil physical conditions is poor. On the contrary, our understanding of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) root and shoot growth response to soil conditions is well established.

Methods

We performed a comparative greenhouse study which modeled root length density, total seedling biomass, and the ratio of aboveground:belowground mass as functions of volumetric water content, bulk density and soil fertility (fertilized or not).

Results

Root length density was about 35 % greater in longleaf pine seedlings compared to loblolly pine seedlings, and was reasonably well modeled (R ²?=?0.54) for longleaf pine by bulk density (linear), volumetric water content (quadratic), soil fertility, and the interactions of bulk density, volumetric water content, species, and soil fertility. The aboveground:belowground mass ratio (ABR) increased at both extremes of water content.

Conclusions

This research indicates that young longleaf pine seedling root systems respond more negatively to extremes of soil physical conditions than loblolly pine, and compacted or dry loamy soils should be ameliorated in addition to normal competition control, especially on soils degraded by past management.     

The activities of soil and root acid phosphatase in the nine tropical rain forests that differ in phosphorus availability on Mount Kinabalu, Borneo

Background and aims

Tropical rain forests on deeply weathered soils are increasingly thought to be limited by phosphorus (P), where plants and associated organisms would demonstrate adaptations to efficiently recycle P using acid phosphatase from organic matter. The activities of soil and root acid phosphatase were investigated in nine tropical rain forests that demonstrated a 20-fold difference in the soil organic P pool on Mt. Kinabalu, Borneo.

Methods

Acid phosphatase activity was measured at pH6.0 using p-nitrophenyl phosphate as substrate.

Results

The specific phosphatase activity of tree roots on a soil-surface-area basis was significantly positively related with P-use efficiency of above-ground productivity, suggesting a physiological linkage between above and below-ground systems in the adaptation to P deficiency. The phosphatase activities of soils and roots were significantly negatively correlated with the pool size of soil organic P fractions, suggesting that demand for P determines phosphatase activities.

Conclusions

It is suggested that tree roots and soil microbes develop more active phosphatases in response to the chronic shortage of soil P, which forms the basis for an important functional role for the efficient acquisition of P from soil organic matter.     

Isolation of ACC deaminase producing PGPR from rice rhizosphere and evaluating their plant growth promoting activity under salt stress

Aims

Bacteria possessing ACC deaminase activity reduce the level of stress ethylene conferring resistance and stimulating growth of plants under various biotic and abiotic stresses. The present study aims at isolating efficient ACC deaminase producing PGPR strains from the rhizosphere of rice plants grown in coastal saline soils and quantifying the effect of potent PGPR isolates on rice seed germination and seedling growth under salinity stress and ethylene production from rice seedlings inoculated with ACC deaminase containing PGPR.

Methods

Soils from root region of rice growing in coastal soils of varying salinity were used for isolating ACC deaminase producing bacteria and three bacterial isolates were identified following polyphasic taxonomy. Seed germination, root growth and stress ethylene production in rice seedlings following inoculation with selected PGPR under salt stress were quantified.

Results

Inoculation with selected PGPR isolates had considerable positive impacts on different growth parameters of rice including germination percentage, shoot and root growth and chlorophyll content as compared to uninoculated control. Inoculation with the ACC deaminase producing strains reduced ethylene production under salinity stress.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of rhizobacteria containing ACC deaminase for enhancing salt tolerance and consequently improving the growth of rice plants under salt-stress conditions.     

Growth and survival of cork oak (Quercus suber) seedlings after simulated partial cotyledon consumption under different soil nutrient contents

Aims

We examined the importance of partial seed consumption (cotyledon loss) by rabbits in the early establishment of seedlings of cork oaks restricted to nutrient-impoverished soils.

Methods

To determine the importance of cotyledons in the growth and development of seedlings, we simulated two levels of predation [light (30 % cotyledon loss) and heavy (60 % loss) partial consumption] and two soil nutrient contents (nutrient-poor soil, nutrient-rich soil). Seedlings height, root length, dry root and shoot biomass, specific leaf mass, leaf density, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and photosynthetic pigment concentrations were determined.

Results

Results indicated that effect of nutrient level on the growth of the oak seedlings was more important than that of cotyledon biomass. However, in nutrient–poor soils, cotyledon biomass played a major role in the early performance of cork oaks. Acorns grown in nutrient-rich substrate, despite having greater aerial vigor, were slower to develop a vertical root, and hence less likely to reach permanent moisture. Cotyledon loss caused a decrease in the biomass of roots and shoots when acorns were heavily consumed, and as a result experienced a reduction in net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll concentration. Survival of seedlings was unaffected by either soil type or cotyledon loss.

Conclusions

Our results show that effects of soil type on the survival of oak seedlings were more important than those of cotyledon biomass. However, in a competitive situation, cotyledon biomass, as an indicative of growth nutrient support rather than an energy source, could be vital in a nutrient-poor environment, particularly in Mediterranean climate regions and for species with little inherent drought tolerance (as is the case of Quercus spp.), where rapid root growth is required to ensure that contact with soil moisture is maintained over the first summer.     

Detection of black-foot and Petri disease pathogens in soils of grapevine nurseries and vineyards using bait plants

Background and aims

Little information is currently available regarding the number of species of black-foot and Petri disease pathogens present in soil and their capacity to infect grapevine roots and reach the xylem vessels.

Methods

Seedlings of grapevine rootstock 41-B, and cvs. Bobal and Palomino were planted both in pots containing soil samples collected from commercial vineyards and in nursery fields. Roots and xylem vessels were later analyzed for fungal isolation.

Results

Black-foot pathogens: Ilyonectria alcacerensis, I. macrodidyma, I. novozelandica and I. torresensis were frequently isolated from roots of seedlings grown in all soils evaluated, whereas Petri disease pathogens: Cadophora luteo-olivacea, Phaeoacremonium aleophilum, Pm. parasiticum and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora were only isolated from xylem vessels of seedlings grown in nursery soils, with a low incidence. Ilyonectria alcacerensis, I. novozelandica and I. torresensis were isolated for the first time from grapevines in Spain, and Pm. parasiticum and Ca. luteo-olivacea were detected for the first time in nursery soils.

Conclusions

Our results confirm nursery and vineyard soils as an important inoculum source for black-foot pathogens and demonstrate the presence of several Petri disease pathogens in nursery soils.     

Spatial distribution and phenotypic variation in root cortical aerenchyma of maize (Zea mays L.)

Background and aims

Previous research has suggested that root cortical aerenchyma (RCA) can enhance soil exploration and crop performance by decreasing root respiration. This trait is a potential breeding target for adaptation to abiotic stresses such as drought and low nutrient availability. However, little is known of phenotypic variation in aerenchyma or its distribution among root classes.

Methods

The spatial distribution of RCA was evaluated in freehand sections from 13 sites in the root systems of 11 recombinant inbred and commercial lines of maize (Zea mays). RCA variation was evaluated in 583 recombinant inbred lines of maize at one sampling position.

Results

RCA varied significantly among root classes and axial positions. Genotypic differences were observed for the amount of RCA at corresponding sampling locations and for the mean amount of RCA across all sampling locations, but genotypes did not differ in the proportional distribution of RCA within the whole root system. The amount of RCA in a cross-section was independent of several other anatomical traits.

Conclusions

There is substantial genetic variation for RCA, and this variation is independent of other anatomical traits. RCA can be phenotyped in greenhouse-grown plants by sampling the middle parts of second- or third-whorl crown roots.     

Interaction of aluminium and drought stress on root growth and crop yield on acid soils

Background

Aluminium (Al) toxicity and drought stress are two major constraints for crop production in the world, particularly in the tropics. The variation in rainfall distribution and longer dry spells in much of the tropics during the main growing period of crops are becoming increasingly important yield-limiting factors with the global climate change. As a result, crop genotypes that are tolerant of both drought and Al toxicity need to be developed.

Scope

The present review mainly focuses on the interaction of Al and drought on root development, crop growth and yield on acid soils. It summarizes evidence from our own studies and other published/related work, and provides novel insights into the breeding for the adaptation to these combined abiotic stresses. The primary symptom of Al phytotoxicity is the inhibition of root growth. The impeded root system will restrict the roots for exploring the acid subsoil to absorb water and nutrients which is particularly important under condition of low soil moisture in the surface soil under drought. Whereas drought primarily affects shoot growth, effects of phytotoxic Al on shoot growth are mostly secondary effects that are induced by Al affecting root growth and function, while under drought stress root growth may even be promoted. Much progress has recently been made in the understanding of the physiology and molecular biology of the interaction between Al toxicity and drought stress in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in hydroponics and in an Al-toxic soil.

Conclusions

Crops growing on acid soils yield less than their potential because of the poorly developed root system that limits nutrient and water uptake. Breeding for drought resistance must be combined with Al resistance, to assure that drought resistance is expressed adequately in crops grown on soils with acid Al-toxic subsoils.     

Small temporal differences in water uptake among varieties of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) are critical for grain yield under terminal drought

Background and aim

Intuitively, access to water from the soil at key phenological stages is important for adaptation to drought. This study aimed to assess the temporal pattern of water extraction under terminal drought stress.

Methods

Pearl millet genotypes with varying levels of terminal drought tolerance were grown in a lysimetric system with a soil volume and plant spacing similar to field conditions. Water extraction was monitored until maturity under differing water regimes.

Results

The yield did not differ among genotypes under well-watered (WW) conditions, and the water extraction profile of WW plants was similar across all genotypes. In contrast, the yield of sensitive genotypes was 30–100 % lower than that of tolerant lines under water stress (WS). The total volumes of water extracted by tolerant and sensitive genotypes were similar under WS; however, tolerant genotypes extracted less water prior to anthesis, and more water after anthesis. Grain yield was positively related to the amount of water extracted during week three after panicle emergence. Increased water extraction after anthesis benefitted the tillers more than the main culm and was correlated with higher staygreen scores.

Conclusion

Increased water uptake after anthesis, which results from earlier water conservation during pre-anthesis, increases yield under terminal drought in pearl millet.     

Pathways of soil genesis in the Coast Range of Oregon, USA

Background and Aims

Soil chronosequences on marine terraces along the Pacific Coast of California and Oregon show evidence of podzolization, though soils ultimately evolve to Ultisols. It is not clear if this pathway of soil evolution can be extended to the humid, inland Oregon Coast Range.

Methods

We analyzed soil properties for a fluvial terrace chronosequence sampled along the Siuslaw River (Oregon, USA) about 50 km from the Pacific coast. The seven terraces ranged in age from <3.5 ky to nearly 1,000 ky.

Results

There was no evidence of early podsolization. Instead, evidence was found that andisolization starts early and occurs even in older soils when pedogenic iron accumulation and clay synthesis and illuviation dominate. Soils develop the morphology characteristic of Ultisols sometime between 20 and 70 ky, but high levels of oxalate extractable iron and aluminum satisfy criteria of an andic subgroup. Alfisols are not formed as an intermediary stage.

Conclusions

The lack of Spodosols inland is due to the inland shift from udic to ustic or xeric moisture regime, which favors summer drying and ripening of short-range order minerals rather than deep leaching or translocation. Other factors are higher pH, different organic chemistry and faster calcium cycling under the Douglas fir inland when compared to the Sitka spruce of the coastal terraces.     

Coarse woody debris modifies surface soils of degraded temperate eucalypt woodlands

Aims

Reintroductions of coarse woody debris (CWD) to Australia’s temperate eucalypt woodlands have been proposed to address the paucity of CWD in these landscapes. This study aimed to quantify the effects of CWD on surface soils.

Methods

Values of C, N, C:N, P, NO₃ ^?, NH₄ ⁺, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were measured adjacent to, and at reference distances from CWD. Soils were measured at depths of 0–1 cm, 1–3 cm and 3–5 cm for 12 individual CWD samples of varying decay classes and diameters. A linear mixed model was used to test the effects of the presence of CWD, soil depth and CWD decay class and diameter.

Results

Significantly larger values for C, N, C:N, P, NO₃ ^?, EC, and significantly smaller values for pH were found adjacent to CWD. The greatest impact of CWD was on the upper most surface soil. CWD decay class and diameter had little influence on the measured soil characteristics.

Conclusion

This is the first quantitative determination of the effects of eucalypt CWD on woodland soils in Australia. The effect of added CWD is rapid, occurring after just 2 years. The results suggest that the effects are due to the structural properties of CWD.     

Is plant genetic control of ectomycorrhizal fungal communities an untapped source of stable soil carbon in managed forests?

Background

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi provide one of the main pathways for carbon (C) to move from trees into soils, where these fungi make significant contributions to microbial biomass and soil respiration.

Scope

ECM fungal species vary significantly in traits that likely influence C sequestration, such that forest C sequestration potential may be driven in part by the existing community composition of ECM fungi. Moreover, accumulating experimental data show that tree genotypes differ in their compatibility with particular ECM fungal species, i.e. mycorrhizal traits of forest trees are heritable. Those traits are genetically correlated with other traits for which tree breeders commonly select, suggesting that selection for traits of interest, such as disease resistance or growth rate, could lead to indirect selection for or against particular mycorrhizal traits of trees in forest plantations.

Conclusions

Altogether, these observations suggest that selection of particular tree genotypes could alter the community composition of symbiotic ECM fungi in managed forests, with cascading effects on soil functioning and soil C sequestration.     

Tolerance to ion toxicities enhances wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield in waterlogged acidic soils

Aims

The high concentrations of Mn, Fe and Al in acid soils during waterlogging impair root and shoot growth more severely in intolerant than tolerant wheat genotypes. This study aims to establish whether this difference in vegetative growth and survival during waterlogging (1) is verifiable across a range of tolerant/intolerant genotypes and acid soils, and (2) results in improved recovery after cessation of waterlogging and enhanced grain yield.

Methods

Wheat genotypes contrasting in their tolerance to ion toxicities were grown in four acid soils until 63DAS and maturity, with a 42-day waterlogging treatment imposed at 21 DAS.

Results

The shoot Al, Mn and Fe concentrations increased by up to 5-, 3- and 9-fold respectively due to waterlogging in various soils. Compared to the intolerant lines, Al-, Mn- and Fe-tolerant genotypes maintained a relatively lower increase in shoot concentrations of Al (79 vs. 117%), Mn (90 vs. 101%) and Fe (171 vs. 252%) and demonstrated better waterlogging tolerance at the vegetative stage expressed in relative root (38% vs. 25%) and shoot (62% vs. 52%) growth. After cessation of waterlogging and the continued growth to maturity, tolerant genotypes maintained a relatively lower plant concentration of Al, Mn and Fe, but produced a higher above-ground biomass (74% vs. 56%) and most importantly demonstrated improved waterlogging tolerance (a relative grain yield of 78% vs. 54%) compared to intolerant genotypes. Maturity following waterlogging stress was delayed less in tolerant than intolerant genotypes (114 vs. 124%, respectively), which would reduce the potential yield loss where post-anthesis coincides with drought.

Conclusions

The results confirm the validity of a novel approach of enhancing waterlogging tolerance of wheat genotypes grown in acid soil via increased tolerance to ion toxicities.