Exploring Flood Resilience: Analysing Root Images for Physiological Responses to Flood Stress

The experiment followed a randomized block design with two replications, including control and waterlogging treatments. After 40 days of normal growth, waterlogging was applied for two weeks with a 12 cm water level above the soil. Observations were recorded eight days after drainage, identifying four tolerant and four sensitive genotypes based on physiological and anatomical traits.

The experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2022–23 for one year at the field of All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Soybean, VNMKV, Parbhani. Among the 27 soybean genotypes evaluated under waterlogging, MAUS 710, JS-20-76, KDS-726 and NRC 257 exhibited high tolerance, showing improved growth and root traits like aerenchyma formation and root diameter. While MAUS 725, MAUS 731, EC250591 and JS 97–52 were susceptible.

Among 27 soybean genotypes tested under waterlogged conditions, MAUS 710, JS-20-76, KDS-726 and NRC 257 observed high tolerance, excelling in traits like aerenchyma formation, root surface area and average root diameter. JS-20-116, KDS-726, JS-20-76 and NRC-257 exhibited moderate tolerance, while MAUS 731 and MAUS 725 were more susceptible. These findings highlight the importance of root traits for flood tolerance and suggest that the tolerant genotypes should be prioritized in breeding programs. Waterlogging resulted in average yield loss, with reduction in root architecture.