Induced Water Deficit Tolerance in Hexaploid Wheat through Exogenous Application of Trehalose and Cytokinins: Water Relations and Physiological Changes

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the different physiological responses of hexaploid genotypes of wheat (HD2967, PBW660 and WH1105) in drought-affected areas and to study the effect of exogenous application of osmoprotectants like trehalose (Tre) along with cytokinins (Kinetin [Kn] and Benzyl Adenine [BA]) on cell membrane function and retention of water status of wheat as affected by drought. Presently, drought stress has a significant negative effect on membrane stability, cell viability, lipid peroxidation, relative leaf water content, and a significant increase in water saturation deficit, relative saturation deficit, and quaternary ammonium compounds. Exogenous application of trehalose in combination with different concentrations (applications) of Kn and BA helps to retain membrane stability, cell viability, and reduced malondialdehyde content, which in turn helps in the maintenance of the cellular water status of plants.