Root Adaptation Traits under Water Logging Conditions

Abstract

A problem known as "waterlogging" occurs when the soil is saturated, which can seriously hinder plant growth and development. Waterlogging limits the amount of oxygen that can reach the roots of the plant, which affects the physiological and biochemical changes that occur in the plant. Plants, however, have developed a variety of adaptive strategies to deal with this kind of stress. Several morphological adaptations are displayed by plants to withstand waterlogging. Aerenchyma development, adventitious roots, and a shallow root system are a few of these. Plants respond to waterlogging stress by undergoing metabolic changes at the biochemical level. Increased ethylene synthesis, a stress hormone, controls the formation of aerenchymas and adventitious root growth, among other adaptive responses. In addition, plants store osmoprotectants such as soluble carbohydrates and proline to preserve the osmotic balance within their cells and prevent harm from waterlogging. Plants are able to tolerate waterlogging stress because of complex interaction of morphological, physiological, and biochemical adaptations together. In order to produce resilient crop varieties and sustainable agricultural techniques, it is imperative to comprehend the underlying mechanisms determining root architectural features under waterlogging circumstances. Subsequent investigations aimed at clarifying the molecular mechanisms behind plant reactions to waterlogging will aid in the creation of novel approaches to lessen the deleterious consequences of this environmental stressor.