Differential response of anti oxidant system during grain development in drought tolerant and drought sensitive varieties of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The present study showed the effect of drought stress on antioxidant enzymes in leaves and developing grains of two wheat varieties viz. WH 1105 and WH 1025. The results showed that during grain development, activities of antioxidant enzymes viz. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Peroxidase (POX), Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX) and Glutathione Reductase (GR) increased more in WH 1025 under drought stress than drought susceptible wheat WH 1105. The increased antioxidant enzyme activities under drought stressed wheat variety WH 1025 in leaf and grain samples during development were due to efficient functioning of the system to cope with drought conditions and made the crop plant tolerant.