INFLUENCE OF IRRIGATION REGIMEN ON STOMATA NUMBER IN RICE VARIETIES

We studied the complex trait ‘drought resistance’ of tice plants (Oryza sativa), which depends on interrelations between morpho-physiological and biochemical reactions. The key factors effecting the rice reaction to drought, such as leaf morphology and stomata regulation, are considered. The optimization of these characteristics can cause the increase of rice yield in conditions of water scarcity. We evaluated eight rice varieties in different irrigation regimes to determine stomata number; this research showed important differences between varieties reaction to drought. It is necessary to research this phenomenon to use it in the practical breeding.