Abstract: Soybean has been considered for some time a crop with potential for flood tolerance because of its highly adaptive nature under flood stress. The designation of genetic markers for flood tolerance in southern varieties has kindled interest in further defining the physiological properties associated with acclimation to flooding. The objective of this research was to identify distinguishable morphological changes in response to early season flooding (V2 growth stage), in an attempt to isolate a characteristic or groups of characteristics that can be used for identification of potentially flood tolerant varieties. A lysimeter trial was carried out at the University of Florida Everglades Research and Education Center, Belle Glade, Florida from May to August 2004. Eleven genotypes (ten numbered RIL's and Hinson) were flooded at the V2 growth stage. Plants were subjected to one of three flood regimes (well watered, 2 weeks of flooding with 2-week recovery, or 4 weeks of flood). Consistent patterns of adaptation developed with additional flood duration including: decreased leaf area, decreased total biomass, decreased nodulation, and increased adventitious root length. Genotype response to flooding was different for all biomass measures, however differentiation between genotypes based on flood treatment and maintenance of total biomass was inconsistent. Significant correlations between plant characteristics and flood tolerance were noted under these experimental conditions.
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