Varietal Performance of Pechay (Brassica rapa L.) under Simulated Waterlogging: Implications for Lowland Vegetable Production

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. The study was conducted from February to April 2025 at the Casiaman Research Farm of the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-North La Union Campus, Bacnotan, La Union. This study assessed the growth responses of three pechay varieties: Pavo and Pac Choi 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 was laid out following a 2x4 factorial experiment in Split Plot Design with three blocks and 6 sample plants per treatment per block. Results showed no significant differences among varieties in terms of survival rate, plant height, and number of leaves. However, plants submerged for 72 hours exhibited significantly lower survival and growth. No significant interaction effects were found between variety and submersion period except on the percentage survival recovery. 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.