Different Response of Soybean Cultivars on Flooding.

Flooding is a major problem that reduces soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] growth and grain yield in many areas of the world. Two soybean cultivars were flooded during vegetative stage and flowering time for ten days. Root morphological traits, development of adventitious roots were analyzed after flooding. Photosynthesis of soybean cultivars was reduced under the flooding condition in both growth stages. The photosynthesis of soybean was recovered after flooding in vegetative stage while flooding in flowering stage caused severe damage on soybean plants. No aerenchyma was observed in roots of non-flooded plants; however, it was abundant in roots of flooded plants. Aerenchyma development was more abundant during vegetative growth stage than reproductive stage. Lower aerenchyma formation in reproductive stage may cause lower adaptability in flooded condition.