Accumulation of osmoprotectants in wheat cultivars of different drought tolerance

Qualitative and quantitative changes in glycine betaine, polyamine and prol ine contents were studied in varieties of common wheat (Triticum aesrtvum L .) differing in origin, drought and salt tolerance during mild and serious drought stress. Flag leaves were used for the quantification of the osmopro tectant concentration and comparable results were obtained from wheat lines . Water potential, water saturation deficit was determined under control an d stress conditions, too. The different physiological responses found were due to the different water uptake capacities based on compatible organic so lutes. The salt tolerant wheat, Kharchia, accumulates higher amount of prol ine and glycine betaine than the drought tolerant or sensitive lines. Droug ht 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 ba sed on our results can be used in plant breeding.