Morpho-anatomical and physiological characteristics responses of a paried near-isogenic lines of waxy corn to waterlogging

Waterlogging stress is one of the most natural stress, which due to excessive rainfall or low-lying terrain, and limits crop growth and yield. Our objective was to study the morpho-anatomical and physiological characteristics of a paired near-isogenic lines of waxy corn under waterlogging stress. This experiment was implemented in pots with a paired of near-isogenic lines differing in waterlogging tolerance: Zz-R (waterlogging-resistant) and Zz-S (waterlogging-sensitive). Root morphology features, anaerobic respiratory enzyme activity, and tissue anatomical characteristics were measured at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8d in the control and waterlogging conditions. The result indicated that waterlogging induced a decrease in the root length, volume and surface areas of the two waxy corn inbred lines, the total root length, root volume, and root surface area of the Zz-R showed less reduction than the Zz-S. Waterlogging stress influenced significantly by the parenchyma cells in cortex of root between Zz-R and Zz-S. Zz-R can also maintain a higher level of anaerobic respiratory enzyme activity under waterlogging stress. The different reaction between the paired near-isogenic lines may be responsible for higher tolerance of Zz-R than Zz-S. These results can provide a certain theoretical basis of the resistance evaluation and breeding to the resistant varieties.