Impact of Hypoxic Root Zone Conditions on Growth and Survival of Black behi Pechay (Brassica rapa L.) Under Bacnotan, La Union, Philippines

DOI: 10.22161/ijeab.103.33

Abstract:
Waterlogging, often caused by excessive rainfall, threatens crop productivity by depriving roots of oxygen. Pechay is a vital crop for food security, capable of producing significantly more food per unit area than cereal crops. This study assessed the growth response of Black Behi under different waterlogging durations (0, 24, 48, and 72 hours). Two weeks after sowing, seedlings were transplanted into polyethylene pots and grown for another two weeks before submersion. The study found that pechay plants, particularly the Black Behi variety, reacted differently depending on how long they were submerged in water. Those exposed to waterlogging for 72 hours (T3) had the lowest survival and recovery rates, along with the poorest growth in terms of plant height and number of leaves. In contrast, plants submerged for only 24 hours showed growth nearly equal to those that were not submerged at all (T0), suggesting that pechay can tolerate brief flooding. Overall, the results indicate that Black Behi pechay can withstand waterlogging for up to 48 hours (T2) without major damage. These insights are valuable for farmers aiming to grow flood-tolerant pechay, especially in areas frequently affected by heavy rains or short-term flooding. The study suggests that pechay can tolerate waterlogging for up to 48 hours, but prolonged submersion negatively impacts plant development and survival. These findings are useful for guiding flood-resilient pechay cultivation.

Keywords:
Black behi, Hypoxic, Pechay, Subnersion, Waterlogging

Article Info:
Received: 23 May 2025; Received in revised form: 21 Jun 2025; Accepted: 27 Jun 2025; Available online: 30 Jun 2025

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