Assessing waterlogging tolerance in jute genotypes through leaf growth traits, chlorophyll retention, and stress tolerance index

Rezowana Nizam; Jubayer A. Mahmud; A.M.M. Shamsuzzaman; Kamal U. Ahamed; Mohammad M. Islam; Md. Hasanuzzaman

doi:10.55779/nsb18212877

Authors

Rezowana Nizam Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Department of Agricultural Botany, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207 (BD) https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8298-2084
Jubayer A. Mahmud Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Department of Agroforestry and Environmental Science, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207 (BD) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3763-925X
A.M.M. Shamsuzzaman Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Department of Agricultural Botany, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207 (BD) https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4401-2973
Kamal U. Ahamed Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Department of Agricultural Botany, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207 (BD) https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6527-2282
Mohammad M. Islam Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Department of Agricultural Botany, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207 (BD) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3667-0079
Md. Hasanuzzaman Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Department of Agronomy, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207 (BD) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5463-7897

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55779/nsb18212877

Keywords:

Corchorus capsularis, Corchorus olitorius, leaf morphology, leaf physiology, leaf growth, genetic variability, waterlogging duration

Abstract

Waterlogging is a major abiotic stress limiting jute production in many jute-grown regions of the world. This study aimed to clarify the leaf morphological and physiological responses of jute plants at early seedling stage under waterlogging stress. In the present study, seven jute genotypes were evaluated under control conditions and three waterlogging durations (20, 40, and 60 days) to assess genotypic variation in leaf morpho-physiological traits. The experiment was conducted in a factorial design with two factors and three replications, where one factor consisted of seven jute genotypes and the other consisted of waterlogging treatments. The results demonstrated that increasing the duration of waterlogging stress progressively intensified the adverse effects on leaf-related traits. At 60 days of waterlogging stress, leaf number (35%), leaf length (30%), leaf breadth (25%), leaf area (47%), SPAD value (27%), leaf fresh weight (10%), leaf dry weight (17%), specific leaf area (35%), leaf area index (66%) and petiole length (24%) were significantly reduced, whereas specific leaf weight increased by 160%. Stress tolerance index showed strong positive correlations with leaf expansion, leaf biomass, leaf thickness and chlorophyll retention. Among the tested genotypes, A-2446, A-3539, and CVL-1 exhibited comparatively lower reductions in leaf growth, leaf thickness, and chlorophyll content and were therefore classified as waterlogging tolerant. In contrast, A-1216, A-3343, TP-3, and A-1770 showed the higher reductions in leaf size traits, biomass-related parameters, and photosynthetic indicators (SPAD values), together with lower stress tolerance indices, particularly under prolonged waterlogging stress (60 days), and were thus classified as waterlogging sensitive. The observed genetic variation among the genotypes suggests that the tolerant lines could be utilized in breeding programs aimed at improving jute performance under waterlogging-prone conditions.

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