Role of leaf architecture under drought stress conditions in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Understanding the physiology and genetic control of drought tolerance mechanisms using physiological and agronomical tools assist breeding programs seeking to improve crop plants. Physiological studies help to establish the precise screening techniques necessary to identify traits which are related to plant productivity. The selection of physiological traits has the potential to improve grain yield under drought in wheat. Therefore, understanding the physiological responses of crops in leaf anatomy, waxiness and pubescence under drought, and the underlying complex genetic control of different mechanisms of drought tolerance, is crucial to enhance screening for drought tolerance. Several strategies have been devised to overcome the problem of drought stress. In this connection, a few of the drought screening test have been identified for their use in breeding program. There is a strong coordination between various physiological responses in leaf architecture of crop plants to drought and their tolerance mechanisms.