Chlorophyll and respiration profiles of three different varieties of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum. L). under waterlogging

Evaluation of the chlorophyll content and respiration of tobacco plants under waterlogging conditions is rarely reported. This research aims to evaluate the response of tobacco in recovery of chlorophyll and respiration during and after waterlogging. This research is important for plant breeders to increase tolerance to waterlogging in tobacco. We used a factorial randomized block design with 3 replications, 2 factors (waterlogging treatment and tobacco genotypes that were tolerant, moderate and sensitive to waterlogging). Observations were made at 45 days after planting. Chlorophyll and respiration were studied at levels of 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% of field capacity of waterlogging. Determination of chlorophyll content was carried out using acetone solvent. Observation of respiration was done using titration with 0.1 N KOH, using 1% PP indicator solution in 20 alcohol. The results showed that the amount of chlorophyll of genotype Bojonegoro 1 did not change in 20% waterlogging compared to the control (0%). Changes were observed in waterlogging of 40% and 60%. The amount of chlorophyll in the Benyak genotype looked unstable starting from 20%, 40% and 60% of waterlogging. A similar condition was also experienced by the GT genotype. The Bojonegoro 1 genotype had better respiratory stability, while the Benyak genotype and the GT genotype showed a higher respiration rate than the control. These conditions showed that waterlogging conditions influence the respiration levels of various genotypes. All tobacco genotypes showed a decrease in chlorophyll along with the increased percentage of waterlogging. The results indicate that each tobacco genotype has a special system for managing waterlogging stress.