Some Mechanisms Modulating the Root Growth of Various Wheat Species under Osmotic-Stress Conditions

Abstract

The role of the root in water supply and plant viability is especially important if plants are subjected to stress at the juvenile stage. This article describes the study of morphophysiological and cytological responses, as well as elements of the anatomical structure of primary roots of three wheat species, Triticum monococcum L., Triticum dicoccum Shuebl., and Triticum aestivum L., to osmotic stress. It was shown that the degree of plasticity of root morphology in water deficit affected the growth and development of aboveground organs. It was found that in conditions of osmotic stress, the anatomical root modulations were species-specific. In control conditions the increase in absolute values of root diameter was reduced with the increase in the ploidy of wheat species. Species-specific cytological responses to water deficit of apical meristem cells were also shown. The development of plasmolysis, interpreted as a symptom of reduced viability apical meristem cells, was revealed. A significant increase in enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase under osmotic stress was found to be one of the mechanisms that could facilitate root elongation in adverse conditions. The tetraploid species T. dicoccum Shuebl. were confirmed as a source of traits of drought tolerant primary root system for crosses with wheat cultivars.