Differential changes in antioxidants, proteases, and lipid peroxidation in flag leaves of wheat genotypes under different levels of water deficit conditions

► Antioxidant status in flag leaves is an index of water deficit tolerance in wheat. ► Ability to trigger antioxidant defence pay central role in water stress tolerance. ► Better antioxidant activities results in lower stress induced oxidative damage. ► Wheat genotypic response was more prominent under severe water deficit.