Identification and characterization of two plasma membrane aquaporins in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum) and their role in abiotic stress tolerance

► Two cDNAs isoforms of PIPs from durum wheat have been sequenced and characterized. ► The Pf of TdPIP2;1 increased rapidly indicating that it forms a functional water channel. ► Whereas, TdPIP1;1 or truncated forms had Pf values similar to water-injected oocytes. ► TdPIP1;1 and TdPIP2;1 proteins were localized to the cell plasma membrane. ► Overexpression of TdPIP1;1 and TdPIP2;1 produced higher salt and drought tolerance.