Oxidative stress induced flag leaf injury in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under drought

Abstract

The present study evaluated the physiological and biochemical changes associated with flag leaf cell membrane injury in two wheat varieties viz. WH 1105 and WH 1025 under drought stress. A decrease in leaf membrane stability was observed under drought stress with an increase in duration of grain development. Leaf membrane injury was low in WH 1025 than WH 1105. Lipoxygenase (LOX) activity was increased under drought stress and higher increase was noticed in drought sensitive WH 1105 than drought tolerant WH 1025. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content in leaves of WH 1105 and WH 1025 were significantly increased. Higher decrease in leaf lipid content was observed in WH 1105 than WH 1025 indicating higher injury to leaf lipids.