Chia (Salvia hispanica) response to waterlogging stress at the early growth stages

Chia (Salvia hispanica) seeds are so interesting for farmers and researchers and farmers due to their high nutritional value. However, Chia response to environmental factors has poorly been studied. In the present study, the chia response to waterlogging intensity at early growth stages was studied under a factorial experiment with three replications. The experimental treatments were five periods of waterlogging (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks) occurring at different growth stages of Chia (i.e. seedling emergence as well as 2, 4, 6 and 8 leaves stages). Results showed that the waterlogging intensity had a significant interaction effect with the time of the waterlogging occurrence. Leaf number, area and dry weight and root dry weight were strongly reduced by waterlogging while stem growth, height and root volume showed a lower depression. The increase in shoot/root weight ratio in water logging showed the more sensitivity of root to waterlogging. It was observed that the leaf antioxidant capacity was increased by waterlogging during first two weeks and thereafter was diminished while it descended in root after the first week. Totally, the antioxidant activity of leaves was more than roots. Generally, the most chia growth reduction was observed after four weeks of waterlogging and the seedling emergence stage was the most sensitive stage responding to waterlogging stress. After seedling emergence, the chia tolerance to waterlogging was increased; so that it could tolerate the waterlogging for at least one week. In addition, the chia tolerance to waterlogging was commensurate with its antioxidant activity.