Comparison of Drought Tolerance of Some Wheat Varieties Grown in Turkey

Abstract

The effect of drought stress on 21 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties were screened at the germination stage for drought tolerance. Four levels of osmotic stress was assessed by applying different polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000; 0%, 10%, 15% and 20% (w/v)) concentrations. Germination rate, root-shoot length, total chlorophyll amount (SPAD), specific leaf area (SLA), relative water content (RWC), superoxide anion (O2 . ˉ) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation were determined on the 8th day after sowing.The increased osmotic stress, significantly reduced germination rate, root-shoot length, SLA, chlorophyll amount and RWC in KateA-1, Gelibolu and Sultan-95 varieties. Pehlivan, Karahan-99 and Tekirdağ varieties were less affected by osmotic stress and these varieties were determined as drought tolerant varieties than other varieties.