Acclimation of photosynthetic apparatus to moderate drought stress in wheat varieties differing in tolerance

Aim. Drought is one of the most harmful abiotic stresses limiting crop productivity. We study ability photosynthetic apparatus winter wheat varieties differing in their tolerance to acclimate moderate drought stress under pot experiment. Methods. Dynamics relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content, CO2 assimilation rate (Pn), activity antioxidant enzymes chloroplasts flag leaf drought-tolerant variety Yednist and less Podilska Nyva Darunok Podillia during weeklong at flowering week after resumption optimal watering were studied. Results. RWC gradually decreased from onset end period. In contrast, Pn inhibition was notably stronger than period cultivars remained same cultivar. On 7th day post-drought period, treated plants all restored control level despite significantly lower content. Conclusions. Photosynthetic more tolerant has a greater prolonged which related higher resulted grain yield losses.