Effects of External Potassium (K) Supply on Drought Tolerances of Two Contrasting Winter Wheat Cultivars

Drought is a common stress limiting crops growth and productivities worldwide. Water deficit may increase cellular membrane permeability, resulting in K outflow. Internal K starvation may disorder plant metabolism and limit plant growth. However, it is seldom reported about the effects of external K on drought tolerance of contrasting wheat cultivars. application enhanced plant growth for both cultivars under drought stress, SN16 was better than JM22 due to its high drought tolerance.Adequate external K may effectively protect winter wheat from drought injuries. We conclude that drought-tolerant wheat combined with adequate external K supply may be a promising strategy for better growth in arid and semi-arid regions