We studied the immunohistochemical localization of abscisic acid (ABA), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and dehydrins in the roots of wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L.) during 24-epibrassinolide-pretreatment (EB-pretreatment) and PEG-induced dehydration. It was found coimmunolocalization of ABA, WGA and dehydrins in the cells of central cylinder of basal part untreated and EB-pretreated roots of wheat seedlings under normal conditions and under osmotic stress. Such mutual localization ABA and protective proteins, WGA and dehydrins, indicates the possible effect of their distribution in the tissues of EB-pretreated wheat roots during dehydration on the apoplastic barrier functioning, which apparently contributes to decrease the water loss under dehydration. Perhaps, the significant localization of ABA and wheat lectin in the metaxylem region enhances EB-induced transport of ABA and WGA from roots to shoots under stress. It can be assumed that brassinosteroids can serve as intermediates in the realization of the protective effect of WGA and wheat dehydrins during water deficit.
Increased benzoxazinoid (Bx) levels in wheat seedlings via jasmonic acid treatment and etiolation and their effects on Bx genes including Bx6