Physiological traits associated with drought tolerance of syrian durum wheat varieties under rainfed condition

A field experiment was conducted under rainfed condition using drought tolerant and susceptible durum wheat varieties to determine the effect of water deficit on various physiological traits. Data revealed significant differences between the three groups of wheat varieties under study (tolerant, moderately tolerant and susceptible). Drought tolerant group was superior in term of membrane stability index, relative water content, chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence. This group also showed higher yield, total biomass, tillers number m⁻², 1000 grain weight and grain number ear⁻¹. The current investigation indicated that the physiological adaptability of this wheat group as a reason to perform reasonably well under water stressed environment.