Response of Hibiscus mutabilis to Waterlogging Stress and Comprehensive Evaluation of Waterlogging Tolerance

Abstract:

In order to excavate the waterlogging resistant germplasm resources of Hibiscus mutabilis, the morphological, physiological and biochemical indexes of 13 cultivars were studied after 15 days of flooding, and build the evaluation system of waterlogging resistance. The results showed that the variation trend and range of morphological and physiological indexes were different among cultivars, and the correlation of some indexes was significant (P<0.05). The 14 indexes were attributed to morphological growth index, adventitious root morphological index, membrane lipid peroxidation index, root biomass index, antioxidant index and osmotic regulation index according to contribution rate. Cluster analysis conducted according to comprehensive waterlogging resistance evaluation value (D) showed that 13 H. mutabilis varieties could be divided into four waterlogging tolerance types, including very strong (3 varieties), stronger (5 varieties), medium (3 varieties) and none waterlogging tolerance (2 varieties). Therefore, the plant height, adventitious root number, adventitious root length could be used as rapid and simple indexes to identify the comprehensive waterlogging tolerance at seedling stage in H. mutabilis.

Key words:Hibiscus mutabilis;Waterlogging;Waterlogging tolerance;Membership function;Comprehensive evaluation