Study of adaptive potential to drought in offspring of genetically modified wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.)

Aim. To investigate the tolerance of the seed generation (T4) of genetically modified common wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.) containing a suppressor of the proline catabolism gene (pdh) to osmotic stress, based on the analysis of physiological and biochemical parameters and yield structure. Methods. Determination of free L-proline (Pro) content, physiological and growth parameters and grain yield. Results. The Pro level was investigated and growth parameters, physiological state and main elements of yield were analyzed in transgenic and original forms under normal/stress/recovery conditions. Conclusions. T4 wheat plants under water deficit were characterized by a higher percentage and faster seed germination rate than the original genotypes. The survival rate of genetically modified forms was 76.8 %, while the original ones were only 14 %. Transgenic seedlings had a higher L-proline content, compared to the control ones, under optimal irrigation by an average of 1.7 times, and under water deficit by 30 %. During the recovery period, its level decreased in the initial forms by an average of 49 %, and in T4 by 28 %. Under optimal irrigation conditions, the studied plant variants did not significantly differ in productivity elements. Drought led to their decrease, but in T4 descendants they were less pronounced and significantly higher.