Barley varieties tolerant to waterlogged reduced soil show the better root growth in hypoxia

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) growth is often inhibited under waterlogged fields. Under waterlogging, a higher C/N ratio in soil easily leads to low oxygen concentration and soil reduction. Although the tolerant varieties for waterlogging and soil reduction were previously reported, those root growth under hypoxia remains unknown. In this study, more than 90% of total leaf area in Deder 2, Hayakiso 2 and Akashinriki remained green even under waterlogged and reduced soil condition at seedling stage. The root elongation of Deder 2 and Hayakiso 2 was similar between aerobic and hypoxic conditions. In comparison, severe leaf necrosis was observed in Haruna Nijo and Houshun. Those root elongation was significantly inhibited under hypoxia, as compared with that under aerobic condition. In conclusion, it was considered that barley varieties tolerant to waterlogged reduced soil showed the better root growth in hypoxia in this study.