Physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanism of submergence tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

Abiotic stresses adversely affect plant growth and productivity leading to a series of morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular changes in plants. Submergence stress is one the major abiotic stresses that affects crop growth and yield. Above 16 million ha of rice lands of the world is affected due to submergence. Both partial and complete submergence confers some serious consequences in plants grown in flood prone areas. Some plants can tolerate these conditions by adopting various survival strategies. Among the cultivated plants, rice is the most efficient crop, which has the ability to survive under submergence for prolonged time. This review focuses on understanding the mechanism of submergence tolerance in rice on physiological, biochemical and molecular basis.