Comparative field study on water deficit effects on morphological and physiological indicators in durum wheat

Water deficit is the primary abiotic constraint that considerably limits the productivity of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.). Understanding the mechanisms of adaptation to water-deficit factors is necessary in order to select varieties that are tolerant to water stress. Therefore, we conducted a comparative study to show the effects of water stress on various morpho-physiological and histological indicators, under two irrigated and rain-fed conditions, to identify drought-tolerant genotypes. Relative water content (RWC) and water loss through excised leaves (RWL) were determined by the Ladiges and Horne methods, respectively. Anatomical cuts are made on the last leaf of each genotype tested. This was finalized in anatomical sections made on plant material to find out any correlations between the studied parameters. The results obtained show that the water deficit caused a decrease in plant dimensions, a loss in water content, and a reduction in TKW. Our results indicate substantial variation of traits with potential contribution to the complex phenotype of drought tolerance in wheat genotypes. Structural changes are due to the cellular resizing of the micro-morphological constituents of the last leaf, reflecting the variations in the transpiration rate strongly conditioned by the predicted parameters. Drought tolerance was associated with small leaf surfaces, and stomatal length decreased. Substantial variation in cell epidermal was found among the cultivars. According to the main results of the study carried out, inter-varietal variability has been identified.

The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-026-05114-1.