Resistance Mechanisms of Peltophorum dubium (Sprengel) Taubert Submitted to Flood Conditions

ABSTRACT Peltophorum dubium (Sprengel) Taubert seedlings were submitted to 60 days of flooding, with and without Ca+. During this period, growth, root anatomy and chlorophyll content were analyzed. The relative growth rates (RGR) of roots and shoots were higher in non-flooded plants. The flooded treatments, with and without Ca+, have affected the roots growth but did not affect the shoot and the stem diameter. The anatomy analysis showed thickening of the sclerenchyma in 15 and 60 days in the flooded treatments with and without Ca+, and the vessel diameter was smaller at 45 days. The chlorophyll content differed, however it was not statistically significant. The results indicate that Peltophorum dubium as candidate specie for reforestation in areas subjected to continuous flooding for up to 60 days, since no mortality was observed.