Early- And late-waterlogging differentially affect the yield of wheat, barley, oilseed rape and field pea through changes in leaf area index, radiation interception and radiation use efficiency

Abstract

Waterlogging is a severe stress that constrains crop production. We studied ecophysiological traits related to waterlogging tolerance in wheat, barley oilseed rape and field pea. Outdoor experiments using canopies of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and field pea (Pisum sativum L.) were subjected to a 14-day-waterlogging at early (vegetative) or late (reproductive) stages and a non-waterlogged treatment (as control). Leaf area index (LAI), radiation interception, radiation use efficiency (RUE) and aerial dry matter were monitored along the life-cycle; quantifying yield and its components at maturity. Wheat was able to withstand waterlogging, with similar yields than controls. Barley showed no differences in yield at early stage, but late-waterlogging resulted in 64%–66% lower yield owing to fewer spikes/m2 and poor recovery of radiation interception and RUE. Oilseed rape showed yield penalization due to waterlogging, but responses differed from 17%–30% to 42%–69% for early and late stages, respectively; due to the limited ability to restore radiation interception and RUE in late stage; and the additional losses in seed number and weight. Field pea was unable to restore LAI, radiation interception, or RUE and suffered substantial yield reductions (85%–100%). Wheat could be cultivated in areas prone to transient waterlogging (i.e., early or late stages) of up to 2 weeks; barley and rapeseed are recommended only with waterlogging occurring in early stages and field pea is not suitable for areas facing waterlogging.