EFFECT OF DIFFERENT FRESH WATER-LOGGING LEVEL ON THE GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF AEGICERAS CORNICULATUM SEEDLINGS

The effects of different fresh water depths (0, 1/4, 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4) on the growth of 2-month old Aegiceras corniculatum seedlings were investigated. Results showed that the 0, 1/4 and 2/4 water depths increased seedling height, stem diameter, cotyledon length, numbers of branch and leaf, and the survival rate of seedlings; whereas 3/4 and 4/4 water depths significantly inhibited the stem and leaf growth of the seedlings. Superoxide?dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities in leaves and roots increased significantly with increased water levels, whereas root vitality and soluble sugar significantly decreased as water level increased. It is concluded that the growth of A. corniculatum seedlings was enhanced by water levels lower than 2/4, but significantly retarded by water levels higher than 3/4.