Waterlogging tolerance at germination of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.)

Grass pea is commonly cultivated under relay cropping following rice; however, its seeds often experience soil waterlogging. This study compared grass pea and other legumes under waterlogging, hypoxia and anoxia; and evaluated respiration and germination of grass pea under submergence. Grass pea is more tolerant to waterlogging, hypoxia and anoxia than other grain legumes. Grass pea from Bangladesh and Ethiopia has smaller seeds, faster respiration rates and higher germination under submergence than grass pea from other countries of origin. This information may be useful to select grain legume crops and varieties adapted to relay cropping systems.