Characteristics of Nodulation and Nitrogen Fixation in the Improved Supernodulating Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) Cultivar ‘Sakukei 4’

Abstract

Supernodulating soybean lines have more than several times as many nodules as normal cultivars. They are expected to have high nitrogen-fixing ability and enhanced productivity, but their yields have been inferior to those of normal genotypes. We have recently developed a new supernodulating cultivar,‘Sakukei 4’(formerly ‘En-b0-1-2’, presently‘Kanto 100’), with improved growth and yield. The objective of the present study was to identify the characteristics of the nodulation and nitrogen-fixing ability of Sakukei 4. In pot trials, the nodule number of Sakukei 4 was 8.3 times that of a normal cultivar,‘Enrei’, and the nodule weight per plant was 2.3 to 2.8 times the value for Enrei. The acetylene reduction activity per plant in Sakukei 4 was higher than that in Enrei and conventional supernodulating genotypes, especially during the late growth stage. Compared with conventional supernodulating lines, the improved vegetative growth in shoots and roots of Sakukei 4, especially after flowering, probably enhanced its nitrogen-fixing ability per plant. We consider that its high nitrogen-fixing ability at the seed-filling stage, would help increase its yield in fields with low nitrogen fertility.     

Effect of CO2 Concentration,Temperature and N Fertilization on Biomass Production of Soybean Genotypes Differing in N Fixation Capacity

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that elevated CO₂ concentration [CO₂]-induced enhancement of biomass production of soybean is greater in a genotype that has a higher nitrogen (N) fixation capacity. Furthermore, we analyzed theinteractive effects of N fertilization, temperature and [CO₂] on biomass production. Three genetically related genotypes: Enrei (normally-nodulating genotype), Kanto 100 (supernodulating genotype), and En1282 (non-nodulating genotype) were grown in pots, with or without N fertilizer for two years (2004, 2005). They were then subjected to two different [CO₂] (ambient and elevated (ambient + 200 ?mol mol-¹)) × two temperature regimes (low,high (low + 4~5ºC)). Top dry weight at maturity was the greatest in the elevated [CO₂] × high temperature regime, irrespective of genotype and N fertilization. The [CO₂] elevation generally enhanced N acquisition and dry matter production during the vegetative growth stage, and the enhancement was more pronounced in the nodulating genotypes (Enrei and Kanto 100) than in the non-nodulating genotype (En1282), indicating that N supply through N fixation contributes to elevated [CO₂]-induced biomass production in soybean. However, the relative responsiveness ofbiomass production to elevated [CO₂] was not necessarily higher in the supernodulating genotype than the normally-nodulating genotype. The N utilization efficiency to produce biomass was inferior in the supernodulating genotype than in the normally-nodulating and non-nodulating genotypes. These results did not fully verify the hypothesis that elevated [CO₂]-induced enhancement of biomass production of soybean is greater in a genotype with a higher N fixation capacity.     

Characterization of Vegetative Growth of a Supernodulating Soybean Genotype,Sakukei 4

Article

The supernodulating soybean cultivar Sakukei 4 was previously characterized by its superior ability to maintain a high leaf nitrogen (N) content and high photosynthetic rate. Despite these desirable traits, the growth performance of Sakukei 4 was inferior to that of its normally nodulating parental cultivar, Enrei. The physiological basis for the unique growth characteristics of Sakukei 4 remains unclear. The objective of the present study was to characterize in further detail thevegetative growth of Sakukei 4, particularly during the period before pod expansion. In the first experiment, the growth of Sakukei 4 was compared with that of its parental cultivar Enrei under various rates of N fertilizer. The dry weight of tops, roots and nodules of the plants grown at lower rates of N application was greater in Enrei than in Sakukei 4, but it was vice versa at higher rates of N application. The number and weight of nodules were far greater in Sakukei 4 than in Enrei at any rate of N application. These genotypic differences were significant on 39 days after sowing (DAS) and became greater at the flowering stage. In the second experiment, therefore, more detailed growth analysis was made during an earlier growth stage (DAS 31-46). During this period, relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR) and leaf area ratio (LAR) were lower in Sakukei 4 than in Enrei and the related non-nodulating line En1282, whereas the leaf photosynthetic rate was higher in Sakukei 4 at all leaf positions. The dry-matter partitioning to each plant part excluding nodules was similar in all three genotypes. The rate of leaf expansion in Sakukei 4 during this period was significantly slower than that in the other genotypes. These results suggest that the inferior growth of Sakukei 4 prior to flowering is probably due to excessive dry-matter partitioning to nodules and depressed capability of leaf expansion and root growth, which might limit dry-matter production of the whole plant during pre-flowering stage.     

Genotypic variation in salinity tolerance and its association with nodulation and nitrogen uptake in soybean

Saline soils hamper various physiological functions in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. One example is the reduction in nitrogen (N) uptake capacity, a major dysfunction that limits soybean growth and yield under saline conditions. Previous studies have revealed that tolerance to salinity varies with cultivar; however, the cultivars used in these studies were selected solely based on agro-morphological traits. In this study, we examined genotypic variation in salinity tolerance among 85 soybean genotypes which were selected based on an assessment of both single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) markers and agro-morphological traits. Additionally, we examined whether salt tolerance is associated with nodulation and N uptake. We used a subset of the world soybean mini-core collection (80 cultivars) and an additional five cultivars/genetic lines (NILs72-T, NILs72-S, Enrei, En-b0-1, and En1282). All plants were grown in pots and treated with saline (final concentration of 150 mM NaCl) during the vegetative growth stage. To evaluate salinity tolerance, we used the ratio of saline-treated (S) to control (C) plant total dry weight [DW (S/C)]. The ratio differed markedly according to genotype. Furthermore, salinity-tolerant genotypes exhibited superior nodulation, leaf greenness, and N uptake under saline conditions. These results indicate that there is a marked genotypic variation in salinity tolerance, and that the tolerant genotypes exhibit greater nodulation and N uptake, although further studies are needed to clarify whether the superior nodulation and N uptake of salinity-tolerant genotypes are responsible for the observed tolerance.     

不同蛋白质含量大豆品种氮素积累、分配和运转规律研究

以3个籽粒产量相近但蛋白质含量差别较大的大豆品种为材料,分析了分枝期后不同器官的氮素积累、分配和运转规律及其对籽粒蛋白质含量的影响.结果表明:结荚前品种之间氮素含量和积累量差别不大,结荚后高蛋白大豆营养器官(叶片、茎秆和叶柄)的氮素含量除个别时期外(叶柄第7周)都高于普通大豆,说明营养器官较高的氮素含量及长时间保持较高...     

Nodulation control of crack fertilization technique reduced the growth inhibition of soybean caused by short-term waterlogging at early vegetative stage

Waterlogging is the constraint for soybean growth and yield, because soybean is often cultivated in upland fields converted from paddy in Japan. However, efficient cultivation techniques for alleviating the adverse effects have not been developed. We have proposed the new soybean cultivation technique named crack fertilization which enables yield increase due to enhancing new root growth and N acquisition by increasing nodulation. Waterlogging induces N deficiency due to the suppression of nutrient uptake by the inhibition of root growth and nodule activity. Thus, it is hypothesized that crack fertilization would be effective to alleviate the inhibition of soybean growth and yield. The soybean cultivar of Sachiyutaka was planted in 1/5000 a Wagner pots and root boxes. Two separate waterlogging treatments were imposed to soybean plants at different growth stages, V1 and R4, and crack fertilization was done at V3. After these treatments, soybean plants were sampled at R5 in 2012 and 2013 experiments, respectively. Waterlogging at V1 and R4 inhibited the growth and yield of soybean and nodule growth, and the decreases in physiological parameters of soybean such as photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, and xylem sap exudation rate were observed. The adverse effects of waterlogging at V1 were alleviated by crack fertilization at V3, whereas crack fertilization could not alleviate the adverse effects of waterlogging at R4. Thus, crack fertilization after waterlogging at early vegetative stage would be the cultivation technique that enables to alleviate the adverse effects.     

Waterlogging effects on growth and yield components in late-planted soybean

A major agronomic problem in the southeastern USA is low yield of late-planted soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. This problem is aggravated by the adverse effect of waterlogging on crop growth. Our objectives were to identify soybean growth stages sensitive to waterlogging; identify yield components and physiological parameters explaining yield losses induced by waterlogging; and determine the extent of yield losses induced by waterlogging under natural field conditions. Greenhouse and field studies were conducted during 1993 and 1994 near Baton Rouge, LA, (30 degrees N Lat) on a Commerce silt loam. Waterlogging tolerance was assessed in cultivar Centennial (Maturity Group VI) at three vegetative and five reproductive growth stages by maintaining the water level at the soil surface in a greenhouse study. Using the same cultivar, we evaluated the effect of drainage in the field for late-planted soybean. Rain episodes determined the timing of waterlogging; redox potential and oxygen concentration of the soil were used to quantify the intensity of waterlogging stress. Results of the greenhouse study indicated that the early vegetative period (V2) and the early reproductive stages (R1, R3, and R5) were most sensitive to waterlogging. Three to 5 cm of rain per day falling on poorly drained soil was sufficient to reduce crop growth rate, resulting in a yield decline from 2453 to 1550 kg ha-1. Yield loss in both field and greenhouse studies was induced primarily by decreased pod production resulting from fewer pods per reproductive node. In conclusion, waterlogging was determined to be an important stress for late-planted soybean in high rainfall areas such as the Gulf Coast Region.     

Relation of Seed Structures to Soybean Cultivar Difference in Pre-germination Flooding Tolerance

Abstract

Flooding during germination inhibits the sprouting and emergence of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], reducing subsequent growth and yield. Previous studies revealed that cultivars tolerant to pre-germination flooding have a mechanism of reducing water absorption speed (WAS) during the initial stage of inundation; however, seed structures involved in WAS have not been fully clarified to date. The objectives of this study were to identify possible seed structures responsible for cultivar difference in WAS and pre-germination flooding tolerance. WAS of two tolerant cultivars (Peking and Williams) and two susceptible cultivars (Nakasennari and Enrei), which were identified in our previous study, was compared in relation to seed structures. In Peking, WAS was markedly lower than that of the other cultivars, either in intact seed or seed with the seed coat removed, suggesting that both the seed coat and the embryo have a mechanism of reducing WAS in this cultivar. WAS of the hilum side tended to be higher than that of the back side, and sealing of the micropyle significantly lowered WAS, showing that the micropyle rather than the hilum appeared to be responsible for the higher WAS of the hilum side regardless of cultivar. A comparison of cross section area of the hilum revealed that the tolerant cultivars tended to have a larger area than the susceptible cultivars, suggesting that an inner space of the hilum can act as a reservoir at the initial stage of inundation, thereby reducing WAS in tolerant cultivars.     

水旱轮作大豆的营养生长与根系活力的关系

大豆是实行水旱轮作制度的重要作物之一,水田的排水不良是导致轮作大豆减产的重要原因.通过对水旱轮作大豆幼苗进行过湿处理,分析了不同大豆品种的营养生长特性与根系生理活性的关系.轮作大豆在过湿条件下,所有品种的生育都受到抑制,干物质生产受抑制程度存在着品种间的差异.营养生长诸性状中,伤流速度受过湿处理影响最大,处理区的伤流速度仅为对照区的64.2%.过湿处理导致伤流液中氮含量几乎减少了一半,伤流中的氮含量与叶片氮素含量之间存在极显著正相关关系,过湿条件下叶片氮含量的减少是由于根的氮素吸收能力的低下所致.遭遇过湿逆境时的植株个体大小与维持物质生产关系密切.过湿处理期间及其后的干物质增加量的大小与以伤流速度为代表的根系活力密切相关,说明从田间管理技术上提高大豆的根系活力以维持水旱轮作大豆的干物质生产是可行的.     

夏大豆干物质积累和分配数学模拟研究

夏大豆花芽分化前的光俣产物对产量贡献很小。花芽分化至鼓粒前是夏大豆产量形成的关键时期。这一时期营养生长和生殖生长竞争激烈，对外界环境敏感，栽培措施应以调节干物质分配流向为主，争取早分化，稳长。鼓粒后，全株的干物质积累仍维持罗高水平，延长后期光合器官功能，防止早衰，将有利于减少批粒，提高百粒重。     

Correlation of Leaf Nitrogen,Chlorophyll and Rubisco Contents with Photosynthesis in a Supernodulating Soybean Genotype Sakukei 4

Abstract

Soybean requires more nitrogen (N) than gramineous crops because it accumulates a large amount of N in seeds, and its photosynthetic rate per leaf N is low. The supernodulating genotype Sakukei 4 has a superior symbiotic N₂ fixation capability, and thereby is potentially high-yielding. In our previous study, Sakukei 4 was characterized by having a superior ability to maintain high leaf N content and high photosynthetic rate. The objectives of this study were to know photosynthetic characteristics of Sakukei 4 in detail, especially, the responses to CO₂ concentration and light intensity, and to elucidate how the photosynthetic characteristics of Sakukei 4 are associated with the amounts of photosynthesis-related N compounds (chlorophyll and Rubisco). The three genotypes (Sakukei 4 - supernodulating cultivar derived from Enrei, Enrei - normally nodulating cultivar, En1282-non-nodulating line derived from Enrei) were grown at various N levels in this study. The CO₂ exchange rate (CER) in Sakukei 4 was higher than, or equal to that in Enrei at wide ranges of CO₂ concentrations (150-700 μmol mol-¹) and light intensities (200-1,500 μmol m-² s-¹ PPFD). Sakukei 4 had higher leaf N (N_l), chlorophyll (Chl_L) and Rubisco (Rub_L) contents per leaf area, but lower chlorophyll and Rubisco contents per leaf N content (Chl_L/N_l, Rub_L/N_l) than Enrei. The specific leaf weight (SLW) and leaf area trended to be lower in Sakukei 4 than in Enrei. These results indicate that the superior photosynthetic rate in Sakukei 4 is attributed to higher total N, chlorophyll and Rubisco contents per leaf area, but not to high rate of allocation of total N to these N compounds.     

The Role of Seed Structure and Oxygen Responsiveness in Pre-Germination Flooding Tolerance of Soybean Cultivars

Abstract

Flooding during germination often inhibits the germination and emergence of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], but little is known about the mechanisms involved in the tolerance of soybean cultivars to the damage caused by the flooding. The objectives of this study were to characterize the germination responses of soybean cultivars to pre-germination flooding and low oxygen conditions, and to identify possible seed traits responsible for the tolerance. A comparison of germination percentages among 18 cultivars under optimal and flooding conditions for 3 d enabled the identification of two tolerant cultivars (Williams and Peking), and two susceptible cultivars (Nakasennari and Enrei), which were used for further analyses. A comparison of the water absorption speed (WAS) in the following seed forms: embryo only (E), embryo with aleurone layer (E + AL), and intact seed with aleurone layer and seed coat (E + AL + SC) revealed that the aleurone layer provides a barrier to water penetration during the first hour of inundation regardless of cultivar. The intact seeds of a tolerant cultivar, Peking absorbed water more slowly than the other cultivars in the first hour of flooding. When the oxygen concentration in the seed container was reduced to 70 mL L-¹ for 3 d, the germination percentage of susceptible cultivars was reduced to approximately 70 % whereas that of tolerant cultivars remained high, indicating that responsiveness to low oxygen could also be responsible for pre-germination flooding tolerance of soybean cultivars.     

大气CO2浓度升高对大豆不同器官碳水化合物积累的影响

研究大气CO2浓度升高对非结构性碳水化合物分配积累的影响,可填补大豆气候变化生物学的部分空白,也又可为选育适应未来气候条件的大豆品种以及高产栽培策略提供理论支撑。本研究以大豆品种紫花4（ZH4）、小黄金（XHJ）、丰收10号（FS10）和嫩丰1号（NF1）为材料,利用开顶式气室模拟研究大气CO2浓度升高到550 μmol·mol-1对大豆鼓粒期（R5）和完熟期（R8）不同器官光合产物积累和分配的影响。结果表明：大气CO2浓度升高对不同器官C浓度的影响存在品种间差异。除了R5期XHJ叶片和R8期NF1根系,大豆不同器官C浓度表现出增加的趋势。大气CO2浓度升高显著增加R5期大豆叶片可溶性糖浓度（33.4%~90.0%）;而蔗糖和淀粉浓度对大气CO2浓度升高的响应受到品种因素的影响,XHJ叶片蔗糖浓度和FS10叶片淀粉浓度分别降低9.7%和13%,其余品种叶片蔗糖和淀粉浓度显著增加。在R8期,大气CO2浓度升高后大豆籽粒可溶性糖、蔗糖和淀粉浓度均表现出增加的趋势,籽粒可溶性糖浓度平均增加22%。同R5期相比,R8期大豆营养器官的碳水化合物浓度显著下降,表明营养器官碳水化合物的再利用能力决定大豆产量的增幅。ZH4、XHJ和FS10的产量平均增加32.7%,而NF1产量增加不显著。大气CO2浓度升高显著提高了大豆植株C的同化能力,但不同品种间差异显著。“源端”叶片蔗糖转化能力强,“流端”茎秆装卸同化产物效率高,以及“库强”较大的大豆品种在未来大豆品种选育和生产中应该是重点关注对象。     

Nitrogen Utilization in the Supernodulating Soybean Variety “Sakukei 4” and Its Parental Varieties,“Enrei” and “Tamahomare”

Abstract

The supernodulating variety “Sakukei 4”, which has improved growth and yield, was recently developed. To evaluate its physiological traits related to the high productivity, we compared dry matter production, nitrogen (N) accumulation and N utilization in Sakukei 4 with those in the parental normally nodulating varieties, Enrei and Tamahomare, and a nonnodulating line, En1282, in pot experiments. The seed yield of Sakukei 4 was similar to that of Enrei and Tamahomare.Leaf area and relative ureide abundance in xylem sap were maintained for longer growth period in Sakukei 4 and Tamahomare than in Enrei. The total amount of nodule N₂fixation at maturity was also larger in Sakukei 4 andTamahomare than in Enrei and En1282. In En1282 and Enrei, a larger part of N accumulated in leaves and stems before seed maturation was translocated to seeds during seed filling. However, Sakukei 4 and Tamahomare, more N tended to remain in leaves and stems at maturity. These observations suggested that the physiological traits of dry-matter accumulation and N utilization in Sakukei 4 were quite similar to those in Tamahomare, despite the difference in nodulation. N use efficiency for dry matter production (NUED) was lower in Sakukei 4 than in Enrei and Tamahomare, probably due to the energy cost for sustaining a greater number and mass of nodules. This observation indicated that the low NUED of Sakukei 4 impairs its productivity and seed yield, and therefore Sakukei 4 could not exceed Enrei or Tamahomare in seed productivity.     

Aerenchyma Formation in the Seminal Roots of Japanese Wheat Cultivars in Relation to Growth under Waterlogged Conditions

Abstract

Morphological adaptation of roots is critical for plants to survive under waterlogging. In this study, we evaluated the capacity of wheat to form aerenchyma in seminal roots in combination with the growth angle of the roots. We used five Japanese cultivars from the waterlogging-prone Kanto-Kyushu region in Japan, and a non-Japanese cultivar, Bobwhite for comparison. Seedlings in pot culture were waterlogged at a 3-cm depth for 7 days. The first adverse effect of waterlogging on plant growth was a significant reduction of root dry mass. The reduction rate varied with the cultivar, and it was 19.2% in cv. Shiroganekomugi and 40.0% in cv. Norin 61. Root aerenchyma was initially observed on the 2nd day of waterlogging and developed until the 7th day, in all 6 cultivars. Quantitative analysis of the aerenchyma development revealed no significant difference in radial distribution among the cultivars, whereas a slight difference was found in the axial distribution. As a consequence, the heavier root weight of Shiroganekomugi was not related to either the radial or axial developing capacity of aerenchyma but might be due to the effect of its shallow root angle in the soil. These results suggest that the capacity to form aerenchyma in the seminal root is not sufficient for expression of waterlogging tolerance in the Japanese wheat cultivars.     

应用^14c示踪技术测定大豆光合速率

应用~(14)C放射性同位素示踪方法测定大豆的光合速率。结果表明,复叶的3个小叶间和小叶各部位间的光合速率差异不显著;叶正面的光合速率比叶背面的光合速率高24—29％;大豆没有发现午睡现象;盛花期至结荚期的光合速率高,大豆光合速率与根瘤固N之间有密切相关,并对籽实产量有重要影响。     

菏泽地区夏大豆亩产200kg的栽培措施研究

1986～1990年我们进行了夏大豆品种、密度、施肥、灌水等主要栽培措施与综合丰产的研究与应用,认为菏泽地区夏播大豆由于可供其生长的时期相对较短,以选用生育期100天左右,株形紧凑的品种,适当增加密度,较易获得每亩200kg以上的稳定产量。栽培措施要点是:以增加群体密度、采用氮磷配合施用;有机肥、无机肥与微肥配合施用,以提高光合与固氮能力,并使植株生长稳健、营养与生殖生长协调,促进养分向生殖器官输送。花荚期叶面施肥与结荚、鼓粒期迂旱浇水,延长叶片与根瘤的功能期,使养分充分运入籽粒,以提高粒重,充分发挥大粒品种籽粒的养分贮藏功能。     

渍害胁迫时期和持续时间对冬小麦产量及其构成因素的影响

为研究渍害胁迫时期和持续时间对小麦产量及其构成因素的定量化影响,以扬麦13号为供试品种,在拔节期、孕穗期和灌浆期,开展不同渍害胁迫持续时间（0、5、10和15 d）的盆栽试验,观测不同渍害胁迫处理下小麦产量及其构成因素的变化。结果表明,不同生育时期发生渍害胁迫均可导致小麦减产,且随渍害胁迫时间的延长,小麦产量下降均达到显著水平（P<0.05）。渍害胁迫造成的减产呈现为孕穗期>拔节期>灌浆期,渍害胁迫每增加1天,孕穗期、拔节期和灌浆期小麦单株产量分别下降0.79、0.59和0.48 g,表明孕穗期是小麦渍害胁迫的敏感期。此外,不同生育时期渍害胁迫对小麦产量构成的影响存在明显差异。拔节期渍害胁迫同时降低小麦株穗数、穗粒数和千粒重,但主要通过降低小麦穗粒数造成产量下降;灌浆期渍害胁迫对小麦株穗数和穗粒数的影响较小,主要通过降低千粒重造成小麦产量下降;孕穗期处于小麦从营养生长转为生殖生长阶段,此时发生渍害胁迫,对小麦株穗数和穗粒数的影响大于灌浆期,对千粒重的影响大于拔节期,因此,孕穗期渍害胁迫造成小麦减产最严重。为预防渍害胁迫造成小麦严重减产,应在孕穗期前后密切关注天气状况,在田间及时开沟排水。     

Morphology and nutritive value of perennial ryegrass cultivars at different phenological stages

Eight perennial ryegrass cultivars (representing the variations in ploidy, heading date and water‐soluble carbohydrates concentration) were investigated for morphology and nutritive value at three phenological stages: pre‐heading vegetative, reproductive and post‐flowering vegetative stages. Chemical compositions and digestibility of morphological components (lamina, pseudostem and reproductive stem) from each perennial ryegrass cultivar were analysed in a split‐plot design. At the vegetative stages, perennial ryegrass cultivars differed significantly in the proportions of lamina and pseudostem. Tetraploid cultivars, Base and Bealey, always had the greatest lamina proportion (51.8% and 53.2% at the pre‐heading and post‐flowering vegetative stages respectively). At the reproductive stage, the emergence of seed heads diminished the differences in morphology among cultivars. Perennial ryegrass cultivars also had distinct nutritive value throughout three phenological stages. The high‐sugar cultivar, AberMagic, had high WSC concentrations (276, 227 and 90 g/kg DM at the pre‐heading vegetative, reproductive and post‐flowering vegetative stages respectively); the intermediate‐heading cultivars, Kamo and Commando, generally had a lower organic matter digestibility in dry matter than the late‐heading cultivars at the pre‐heading vegetative (70.7% vs. 74.4%) and reproductive stage (63.9% vs. 68.2%). However, although the morphological components were different in nutritive value consistently, the differences in morphology did not account for the variation in nutritive value among perennial ryegrass cultivars.     

Poor grain filling induced by waterlogging is similar to that in abnormal early ripening in wheat in Western Japan

Abnormal early ripening (AER), a major constraint on wheat production in Western Japan, manifests as sudden leaf senescence shortly after anthesis and results in poor grain filling; this leads to smaller grains and reduced grain yield. It is suggested that overwetting of the soil may be related to AER. We conducted field experiments over 2 seasons (2008-2009 and 2009-2010) in Yamaguchi, Western Japan, with waterlogging treatment using 2 Japanese wheat cultivars, Daichinominori (Western Japanese cultivar) and Haruyutaka (Hokkaido cultivar), which differ in terms of grain growth in the environment of Western Japan. We imposed pre-anthesis waterlogging for 2 weeks in 2008-2009 and post-anthesis waterlogging throughout the grain-filling period in 2009-2010. Pre-anthesis waterlogging had no significant effect on grain yield or grain filling irrespective of cultivar. Post-anthesis waterlogging severely reduced the grain yield by 44% and 36% in Haruyutaka and Daichinominori, respectively. The yield loss was attributable to the smaller grain weight that was a result of slower grain growth rate later in the shortened grain-filling period. Post-anthesis waterlogging induced sudden leaf senescence 1 and 2 weeks after anthesis in Haruyutaka and Daichinominori, respectively, and drastically reduced the photosynthesis and ultimately dry mass accumulation. It also depressed the remobilization of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs) from culms to grains leaving more residual WSCs in the culms at harvest (149 and 65 mg g⁻¹ DW in waterlogging and controls, respectively). The results indicate that the reduced grain growth due to waterlogging was attributable to decreased current assimilation and poor remobilization of culm WSCs to grain similar to that in AER plants. These results suggest that injured root function after anthesis might induce early leaf senescence and poor grain filling similar to AER wheat.