PJB-2007-183
POTASSIUM-CALCIUM INTERRELATIONSHIP LINKED TO DROUGHT TOLERANCE IN WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)
SYED ABDUL MAJID*, REHANA ASGHAR1 AND GHULAM MURTAZA
Abstract
Four wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes viz. Rawal-87, Inqalab-91, Potohar-93 and Chakwal-97 were grown under pre-anthesis, post-anthesis and terminal drought stress against unstressed condition in lysimeters to study the calcium and potassium interrelationship and their relation to drought tolerance at booting and milking stages of crop growth. Gypsum block method was used to monitor drought stress in the soil. Calcium and potassium contents were quantified by flame photometer from fully expanded flag leaves. The calcium and potassium contents showed compromising attitude towards drought tolerance. Results of the study suggested that Chakwal-97 cultivar had more than others tendency to adapt stressful environment. Higher ratio of K+/Ca2+ in response to drought stress demonstrated the tolerance of wheat cultivars against stress. In the present study Potohar-93 showed highest ratio as compared to other cultivars at booting as well as milking stage during both of the years, showing best tolerance response against drought whereas drought imposed during different stages of growth and terminal drought affected differentially, showing tolerant abilities of different cultivars at different stages. Although Potohar-93 showed overall best tolerance, Rawal-87 responded best in pre-anthesis drought condition on the basis of K+/Ca2+ ratio.
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