Cell membrane stability in two barley genotypes under water stress conditions

Abstract

The effect of water stress induced in vitro by polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) and under drought stress on cell membrane stability was examined in two barley genotypes, the cultivar Aramir and line R567. The injury of cell membranes was markely influenced by leaf age, leaf position on the stem, and the degree of drought stress. The differences in percentage of injury to cell membrane between these genotypes were also found. The cv. Aramir exhibited a lower percentage injury value as compared to line R567, measured in vitro by PEG test. Similarly, under drought stress the cv. Aramir showed higher cell membrane stability than the line R567, even in severe stress. The results indicated also that both genotypes differ in the ability to adjust their cell membranes to water stress.