WATER RELATIONS IN DIFFERENT WHEAT (TRITICUM-AESTIVUM L) GENOTYPES UNDER SOIL-WATER DEFICITS

Water relations of different wheat genotypes under control, preanthesi s, postanthesis and terminal drought was studied in cemented tanks und er natural conditions. Water deficits reduced the yield, relative wate r content (RWC), leaf water potential, leaf osmotic potential and turg or potential in all the eight genotypes used. However, genotypes Chakw al-86, DS-4 and Barani-83 had comparatively higher yield, RWC and turg or potential under all water stress treatments than others. The genoty pes with higher RWC and turgor potential had higher grain yield. There was a positive correlations between yield and RWC, and yield and turg or potential. The maximum reduction in all parameters was under termin al drought. The difference between pre- and post anthesis drought was nonsignificant in case of yield and RWC, but significant in other para meters.