Mechanisms and genetics of plant waterlogging tolerance

Waterlogging affects large areas of agricultural land, resulting in severe economic penalties because of massive losses in crop production. Breeding programs need to incorporate exotic germplasm and develop waterlogging tolerant barley varieties. To effectively selecting the traits, it is important to understand morphological, anatomical and physiological mechanisms contributing to waterlogging tolerance. Key features targeted by breeding should include morphological (production of more adventitious roots and formation of larger aerenchyma area in adventitious roots) and physiological (high capability for O2 uptake and K+ acquisition in plant roots) traits, as well as the plant’s ability to withstand soil-borne phytotoxins. QTLs controlling plant waterlogging tolerance will also be discussed.