Assessing Drought Tolerance Through Biomass and Physiological Traits in Modern and Spelt Wheat

Abstract

Drought stress significantly impacts wheat growth and productivity, necessitating an evaluation of morphological and physiological parameters to identify tolerant genotypes. This study investigated the effects of drought stress on three wheat genotypes: WH 1080, British Spelt, and Romanian Spelt. Parameters assessed included fresh weight of root, stem, and leaf, relative stress injury (RSI), relative leaf water content (RLWC), and water use efficiency (WUE). Under drought conditions, British Spelt exhibited the highest fresh weights for roots, stems, and leaves, along with maximum WUE, indicating superior drought tolerance. Romanian Spelt showed intermediate performance, with relatively high RLWC and moderate reductions in fresh weight. In contrast, WH 1080 displayed the greatest reductions in morphological parameters and the highest RSI, reflecting its lower drought tolerance. Statistical analysis revealed significant variations among genotypes and treatments, highlighting the differential responses to drought stress. These findings underscore the potential of British Spelt as a promising genotype for cultivation in drought-prone regions and provide insights into the physiological mechanisms underlying drought tolerance in wheat.