Photosynthetic characteristics and enzymatic antioxidant capacity of leaves from wheat cultivars exposed to drought

► Great decrease in RWC of leaves was observed at wax ripeness stage of ontogenesis. ► All stressed plants have maximum pigment content in the end of earing stage. ► Drought caused a decrease in PSII quantum yield in sensitive cv Giymatli-2/17. ► Drought-tolerant cultivars showed significant increase in CAT, APX and GR activity. ► SOD activity significantly decreased in sensitive cultivars.