EFFECT OF COPPER ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PECULIARITIES OF WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) VARIETIES

The effect of different concentrations (0.25mM, 0.5mM) of Cu2+ on growth parameters were investigated in hydroponically grown five wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties (Kazakhstanskaya rannaya, Kazakhstanskaya-3, Melturn, Kaiyr and Shagala). Sensitive and tolerant wheat varieties were taken for other physiological and biochemical analysis: RWC, proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, photosynthetic pigments and peroxydase and superoxide dismutase activity. Wheat varieties exposed to 0.5mM Cu2+ exhibited significant growth reduction. The results showed that growth, physiological and biochemical parameters were significantly reduced at 0.5 mM Cu2+ compared to untreated control plants. Wheat varieties tolerant and sensitive to Cu2+ were identified. MDA content in tolerant variety was less as compared to varieties sensitive to copper. In tolerant variety photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, carotenoids) content was decreased to a less extent compared to sensitive varieties. The highest SOD and POD activity was observed at 0.5mM of copper.