Effect of drought stress on antioxidant status of wheat seedlings

The aim of this experiment was to study antioxidant status of two wheat varieties under drought stress. Investigated parameters were: relative water content (RWC), lipid peroxidation, proline content, and activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and POD). The plants were grown for 3 weeks before drought was imposed by completed withheld of watering for 6 days. The results showed that ability of some wheat varieties to enhance enzymatic antioxidant activities might be an important attribute linked to drought tolerance. This could limit cellular damage caused by active oxygen species during water deficit.