Abstract
The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of drought stress on the antioxidant enzyme activities including catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in Hordeum vulgare. Antioxidant marker proline and water relative content (RWC) were also investigated. Pot experiments were performed in four treatments depending on the irrigation period. Control plants were irrigated once every two days whereas drought was induced by withholding water for 5 days, 9 days and 12 days. A total of 16 pots were used with 4 pots for each treatment. The results showed that water stress imposed by the different periods of irrigation induced a significant decrease on relative water content (RWC). The effect of water deficit by delaying the period of irrigation was strongly marked on high proline accumulation. The SOD and CAT activities were slightly increased in plants irrigated after 5 days, 9 days and 12 days when compared to control.