LAUSR

ABSTRACT Changes in enzymatic antioxidants and oxidative injury were evaluated in leaves of 10 wheat genotypes under drought, heat and paraquat (PQ) stress. The seedlings of wheat were germinated in plastic pots and grown in a greenhouse under semi-controlled conditions. Each treatment was performed at the 4th–5th leaf stage. Antioxidant enzyme activities catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX), lipid peroxidation (LPO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, chlorophyll content and cell membrane leakage were determined. Results indicated that the three treatments decreased membrane stability, chlorophyll content and increased the LPO, H2O2 content and activities of CAT and GPOX. The ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences between genotypes in response to the various treatments imposed. Wheat genotypes Bidi 17, Beliouni and Djennah khetifa showed the lowest LPO and H2O2 content and the highest total chlorophyll content, relative electrolyte leakage (REL), CAT and GPOX activities, while Colosseo, Waha, Vitron and Benisuif showed the lowest antioxidant defends, lowest REL and the highest H2O2 and MDA contents. Oued zenati, Beltagy and Bousselam showed intermediate response in terms of oxidative stress and antioxidant activity.