The response of pea genotypes differing in testa color to waterlogging during early germination stages

Abstract

Waterlogging tolerance of pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes classified in three testa colors (white, light green, dark green-brown) was investigated. Waterlogging response of the nine pea genotypes was evaluated at two constant temperatures (1 and 8 degrees C), two germination stages (swollen seeds and early seedlings) and for five waterlogging periods (3, 7, 10, 14 and 17 days) in a randomized complete design with four replications. The seedling stages and waterlogging periods significantly affected waterlogging tolerance of pea genotypes. Swollen seeds showed significantly better waterlogging tolerance and had higher survivals than the seedlings at both temperatures. Survival was significantly reduced with prolongation of waterlogging periods. Both swollen seeds and seedlings showed higher survivals at 1 degrees C than at 8 degrees C. The waterlogging tolerance of the pea genotypes was not closely associated with testa color. However, the pea genotypes with dark green-brown seeds exhibited better waterlogging tolerance than light green or white seeded genotypes at 8 degrees C. The EC values of swollen seeds and seedlings in the waterlogging treatments significantly correlated with survival at both germination stages and temperatures.