Identification and Evaluation of Seedling Waterlogging Tolerance in Different Wheat Varieties

Xu Kairui; Ren Yuanyuan; Shen Meiqi; Wang Feifei; Guo Baojian; Zhu Juan; Xu Rugen; Lü Chao

doi:10.14069/j.cnki.32-1769/s.2026.01.001

Abstract：Seedling-stage waterlogging has a significant impact on wheat yield and quality,and breeding waterlogging-tolerant varieties is the fundamental approach to ensuring stable and improved production.In this study,327 wheat varieties(lines)of diverse origins were used as materials.Waterlogging and normal control treatments were established to determine seven indices:leaf SPAD value,seedling length,seedling fresh weight,seedling dry weight,root length,root fresh weight and root dry weight.Based on the waterlogging tolerance coefficients of each trait,principal component analysis(PCA)was applied to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the seedling-stage waterlogging tolerance of the tested varieties.The results showed that all traits of the tested materials decreased to varying degrees under waterlogging stress compared with the control,with root traits declining more significantly than shoot traits.The order of the reduction magnitude was root dry weight>root fresh weight>seedling fresh weight>SPAD value>root length>seedling dry weight>seedling length.Based on the principle of cumulative contribution rate≥80%for principal components,four principal components were extracted,with a total cumulative contribution rate of 82.451%.Comprehensive evaluation revealed that Shuilizhan,Pingyang 27,Chao'an Wheat,Yangmai No.10,Hangtian No.2 and other varieties had high scores and exhibited good seedling waterlogging tolerance.Among the top 100 varieties,those from the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Winter Wheat Region were dominant.Additionally,some varieties from the Huang-Huai Winter Wheat Region such as Luyan 157,Zhengyou No.5 and Xinmai 16 also showed good waterlogging tolerance.