5. Conclusions
Here we examined the physiological impacts of waterlogging on susceptible and tolerant waterlogging barley varieties. We also examined how the timing of waterlogging relative to phenology physiologically impacted on yield. Our analysis suggests that waterlogging close to heading is the most susceptible period, with yield losses primarily attributed to reductions in spikelet fertility and grain weight. Yield loss caused by waterlogging at earlier growth stages was mainly a consequence of reduced spike number and to a lesser extent kernels per spike. With regards to waterlogging tolerance, we found that the phenologies of waterlogging tolerant genotypes were less delayed compared with controls, and AF helps mitigate yield losses under waterlogging.