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.