Pattern of solutes accumulated during leaf osmotic adjustment as related to duration of water deficit for wheat at the reproductive stage

► Wheat genotypes differ in osmotic adjustment, soil water extraction, and growth during water deficit, even in a sandy soil. ► Leaf osmotic adjustment in wheat was better expressed with duration of water deficit and in a drying sandy-loam than in sand. ► Inorganic and organic solutes contributed, with different dynamics and levels, to leaf osmotic adjustment in wheat. ► Glycinebetaine contributed to leaf osmotic adjustment in wheat; adding to earlier emphasis on K+, proline and sugars.