The international society for plant anaerobiosis and its role in opening a new avenue of research

This paper is dedicated to the 35 year jubilee of the founding and the activity of the International Society for Plant Anaerobiosis (ISPA). The role of ISPA members in opening new avenues of research is emphasized. Major developments in the study of plant hypoxic and anoxic stress achieved during subsequent decades are considered. Special attention is given to plant adaptation and damage under conditions of oxygen deficiency and complete absence of oxygen as well as during the post-anaerobic period. Plant metabolic adaptation to anaerobic stress and the capacity of some plants to avoid anaerobiosis are discussed.