Accumulation of osmoprotectants in wheat cultivars of different drought tolerance

Qualitative and quantitative changes in glycine betaine, polyamine and proline contents were studied in varieties of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) differing in origin, drought and salt tolerance during mild and serious drought stress. Flag leaves were used for the quantification of the osmoprotectant concentration and comparable results were obtained from wheat lines. Water potential, water saturation deficit was determined under control and stress conditions, too. The different physiological responses found were due to the different water uptake capacities based on compatible organic solutes. The salt tolerant wheat, Kharchia, accumulates higher amount of proline and glycine betaine than the drought tolerant or sensitive lines. Drought tolerance is a complex character and can be associated with thickness of cuticle, opening and closing of stomata, root depth and extension, hormone composition, osmotic adjustment and antioxidant production. This method based on our results can be used in plant breeding.