Tidal flooding can directly result in oxygen (O2) shortage, however the functions of root aeration in flooding tolerance and O2 dynamics within mangroves are still poorly understood. Thus, in this study, the correlations among waterlogging tolerance, root porosity and O2 movement within the plants were investigated using two mangrove species (Aegiceras corniculatum and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza) and a semi-mangrove Heritiera littoralis. Based on the present data, the species A. corniculatum and B. gymnorrhiza, which possessed higher root porosity, exhibited higher waterlogging tolerance, while H. littoralis is intolerant. Increased root porosity, leaf stoma, and total ROL were observed in the roots of A. corniculatum and B. gymnorrhiza growing in stagnant solution when compared to respective aerated controls. As for ROL spatial pattern along roots, external anaerobic condition could promote ROL from apical root regions but reduce ROL from basal roots, leading to a 'tighter barrier'. In summary, the present study indicated that the plants (e.g., A. corniculatum and B. gymnorrhiza) prioritized to ensure O2 diffusion towards root tips under waterlogging by increasing aerenchyma formation and reducing O2 leakage at basal root regions.
Keywords: Mangroves; Radial oxygen loss; Root porosity; Tidal flooding.