Potential of Tolerance in Germplasm of Wild Pear under Flooding Stress

Wild plant germplasm possesses useful adaptive strategies. Wild plant species, for example, are resistant to biotic and abiotic stress and can be used for reforestation, agriculture, and horticulture. We surveyed the potential of wild pear to resist flooding. We looked at survival, growth, biomass, and several physiological variables. The rootstocks of wild pear are candidates for planting in orchards that experience periodic flooding. For this purpose, we conducted a completely randomized design with two flooding treatments: 1. 15 days flooding plus 15 days recovery and 2. control, for a 30 day experimental period. The results showed no discernible effects of flooding on survival, height, and diameter. Nevertheless, seven days of flooding had negative and extensive effects on photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance. This trend continued until the fifteenth day. Photosynthesis, however, recovered 15 days after the flooding. In addition, plant biomass was negatively affected by flooding. Cessation of photosynthesis after 15 days of flooding proves that the wild pear can be used as rootstock in areas prone to flooding for up to 15 days. If the flooding continues, however, the plant will eventually die.