Sulfur uptake and distribution, grain yield, and quality of hybrid and inbred winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties under early and late waterlogging

Abstract

Background Waterlogging at early and later growth stages could affect sulfur (S) uptake, distribution, yield, and quality of winter wheat. We hypothesized that the hybrid winter wheat variety (Hyvento), with a high degree of heterosis and genetic diversity, is likely to uptake and utilize S more efficiently and withstands waterlogging better than the inbred wheat variety (Kredo). Aims The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of 2‐week waterlogging at the end of tillering stage (Feekes Stage 6) and/or ear emergence stage (Feekes Stage 10.1) on grain yield, yield components, S‐uptake and its partitioning, and composition of grain storage proteins (glutenins and gliadins) of hybrid (Hyvento) and inbred (Kredo) winter wheat varieties. Methods Plants were grown in large containers (120 L) in a semi‐controlled greenhouse and harvested three times immediately after each waterlogging treatment and at agronomic maturity. Grain yield, S concentration in different plant organs, total protein content, and patterns of gluten proteins (gliadin and glutenin) and their subunits (by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) in grains were evaluated. Results Grain yield of the inbred variety was more negatively affected under early and late waterlogging than the hybrid variety and was associated with reduced grain size. The decline in grain yield was significantly higher under late waterlogging (30%–31%) than early waterlogging (17%–18%). Compared to the hybrid variety Hyvento, the waterlogging‐induced decline in S concentration in grains, husk, and straw was markedly lower in the inbred variety Kredo. While early waterlogging did not affect total grain protein content in either of the varieties, late waterlogging significantly reduced the total grain protein content (18%) in the inbred variety Kredo. Similarly, the grain gliadin content of the hybrid variety was not affected by both waterlogged conditions, whereas 32% and 23% reductions were recorded for the inbred variety under early and late waterlogging, respectively. Nevertheless, waterlogging significantly increased the proportion of S‐poor high‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits and ω‐gliadin in the inbred variety. Conclusion It could be inferred from the present study that hybrid winter wheat variety is relatively resistant to waterlogging than the inbred wheat variety, and thereby produces higher grain yield. Efficient uptake and metabolism of S could be one of the mechanisms conferring waterlogging resistance in winter wheat.

Nutritional Evaluation of Quinoa Genetic Resources Growing in the Climatic Conditions of Central Europe

“…The high precipitation rate during 2020 and 2021 was more harmful in our case. The effect of heavy rainfall and potential waterlogging on protein content is not well documented in quinoa specifically; however, research carried out on winter wheat and red clover concluded that there was a decrease in protein content with high water levels [ 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 ].…”

Oat—an alternative crop under waterlogging stress?

“…As other crops (e.g., de San Celedonio et al., 2014 ; Ploschuk et al., 2018 ; Arduini et al., 2019 ; Hussain et al., 2022 ), oats also respond with an initial reduction in shoot growth especially when waterlogged in an early developmental phase ( Figure 1A ; Supplementary Figure 1 ). In agreement with Watson et al.…”

“…Depending on plant species, physiological tolerance, timing, and duration of the waterlogging event, yield losses can largely vary ( Setter and Waters, 2003 ; de San Celedonio et al., 2014 ; Arduini et al., 2016 ; Ploschuk et al., 2018 ). Notably, high-yielding crops such as wheat or rapeseed are more susceptible to waterlogging in later developmental stages ( Araki et al., 2012 ; Wollmer et al., 2018a , b ; Hussain et al., 2022 , 2023 ). According to Pampana et al.…”

Does humic acid foliar application affect growth and nutrient status of water‐stressed maize?

“…Despite maize's requirement for substantial quantities of water, it is not tolerant of submergence when soil moisture exceeds 80% (Chen et al, 1988). It was therefore anticipated that the effect on plant growth observed in drought conditions would also be evident in waterlogging conditions, as has been described for various sensitive crops (Araki et al, 2012;Hussain et al, 2022Hussain et al, , 2023Ploschuk et al, 2018;Setter & Waters, 2003;Wollmer et al, 2018aWollmer et al, , 2018b.…”