Biotech Studies 1995, Vol 4, Num, 1     (Pages: 035-047)

THE EFFECTS OF WATER STRESS ON MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CEREALS

Asuman ÖZER 1 , Bayram SADE 2

1 Ziraat Yüksek Mühendisi, Selçuk Üniversitesi, Ziraat Fakültesi, Tarla Bitkileri Bölümü, Konya
2 Yrd. Doç. Dr. Selçuk Üniversitesi, Ziraat Fak. Tarla Bitkileri Bl. Konya
- Water stress is the most important one of the several environmental factors affecting plants growth and development. The response of plants to stress depends on theirs genetic potential, stage of growth, morphology and yield potential and it causes important changes on morphological and physiological characteristics of the plants.

Root growth, root/shoot rate, the frequency of trichomes on leaf surfaces is increased, and a thick cuticle layer is formed by the effects of water stress on cereals. Transpiration, photosynthesis, protein synthesis, nitrate reduction activity and respiration decrease, abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene production as a plant hormone, proline accumulation increase as a result of effect of water stress. Mechanisms such as stomatal closure or a reduction in leaf area, are effective in reducing water loss, but result in a loss in yield. Osmotic adjustment provides the potential for maintaining photosynthesis, as the water deficit increases. Keywords : Water stress; cereals; morphological