Flood Avoidance Mechanism Via Shoot Elongation and Photosynthesis in Rice Plants

Abstract

Flood avoidance mechanisms in rice involve a variety of adaptations that allow it to survive and even thrive under flooded conditions. Two important mechanisms related to shoot elongation and photosynthesis play a key role in flood avoidance in rice plants.

Rice plants have the ability to rapidly elongate their shoots when submerged in water. This response, known as internode elongation, allows the plant to keep its leaves and productive structures above the water surface, facilitating gas exchange and oxygen transport to the rhizosphere. Upon submergence, the plant senses the lack of oxygen and initiates stem node elongation, which results in the leaves rising above the water surface. This elongation is regulated by specific hormones such as ethylene, which is induced by low oxygen levels. Photosynthesis, an important process by which plants produce energy, can be affected by flooding. Submergence reduces the supply of oxygen to submerged tissues and decreases photosynthetic capacity. However, rice has evolved a unique adaptation called flood-tolerant photosynthesis. Although gas exchange is generally limited and photosynthetic activity is reduced under flooded conditions, the system retains a minimum level of photosynthetic activity over a period of time. This adaptation involves several physiological changes.