Physiological tests as predictive appreciation for drought tolerance in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.)
¹National Institute of Agriculture research of Tunisia (INRAT), Kef research station 7119Boulifa le Kef, Tunisia; email: sayarrhouma@yahoo.fr
²Science University of Gabès, Erriyad city, Zrig CP 6072, Tunisia;email: habibkhemira @ yahoo.com
³Department of Biology, High school, Vieux-Kouba, Alger, Algeria;email: abkameli@hotmail.com
⁴National Institute of Agriculture research of Tunisia (INRAT), Kef research station 7119Boulifa le Kef, Tunisia; email: inratkef.mosbahi@yahoo.fr
*Author to whom correspondence should be sent.• The name and address of the institution where the work was carried out: INRAT (AgricultureResearch National Iinstitute of Tunisia), Kef research station, Boulifa , 7119 Kef Tunisia.
Abstract:
Genetic advances in grain yield under rainfed conditions have been achieved by empirical breeding methods. Progress is slowed, however, by large genotype x season and genotype x location interactions arising from unpredictable rainfall, which is a feature of dry environments. A good understanding of factors limiting and/or regulating yield now provides us with an opportunity to identify and then select for physiological traits that increase drought tolerance and yield under rainfed conditions. Applying different physiological tests to appreciate drought tolerance in seedlings of durum wheat varieties leads to faster selection methods. Five (5) tests (germination, chlorophyll fluorescence extinction, electrolyte leakage, water and osmotic potential) were undertaken to evaluate the level of tolerance to water stress for 190 wheat accessions. Chlorophyll fluorescence extinction measurement seems to be the most reliable test enabling the discrimination of varieties according to their drought tolerance. Keywords: Drought tolerance evaluation, durum wheat and physiological tests
Key words:
Drought tolerance evaluation, durum wheat and physiological tests