ISSN 2320-5407 International Journal of Advanced Research (2014), Volume 2, Issue 6, 110-115 110 Journal homepage: http://www.journalijar.com INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH RESEARCH ARTICLE EFFECT OF WATER STRESS ON MICROSPOROGENESIS OF A CULTIVATED BARLEY Dr. Vivek Singh Institution: Shri Jai Narain Post Graduate College, Station Road, Lucknow-226001, INDIA. Manuscript Info Abstract Manuscript History: Received: 12 April 2014 Final Accepted: 26 May 2014 Published Online: June 2014 Key words Barley, chromosomal aberrations, mutagenic potential, water stress *Corresponding Author Dr. Vivek Singh It is well known that most of the genotypic diversity on this earth has resulted from spontaneous variations in the environment and subsequent natural selection. Thus, the mutagenic potential of environmental variations cannot be underestimated. In view of this, a study of mutagenic potentials of environmental variations was conducted, mainly for assessing the effects on the basis of changes in cytological parameters. The environmental variable that was taken into consideration was soil moisture. The soil moisture regime was modified so as to put the plants into stress at three different stages of life history of Barley plant (Hordeum vulgare L.) taken as the bioassay. The effect was assessed in terms of chromosomal aberrations in microsporogenesis. Copy Right, IJAR, 2014,. All rights reserved. INTRODUCTION The study of plant environment, which includes, in broad sense, both soil and climatic factors cover a vast field of research. The factors, which might have major influence on growth of plant, are moisture, temperature, photoperiod, soil structure etc. The study of the microclimate and the performance of the plants only provide a picture of the resulting effects brought about by a given changing set of conditions. But the role of individual factors and their delicate interplay in growth regulation cannot be assessed from such studies. However, soil moisture is one of the few factors of plant environment that lend themselves to a considerable degree of control without any elaborate mechanized installation. It is amongst many factors that run counter to the natural establishment, growth and development of the plants. Water is essential in the plant environment for a number of reasons. Water transports minerals through the soil to the roots where they are absorbed by the plant. Water is also the principal medium for the chemical and biochemical processes that support plant metabolism. It also acts as a solvent for dissolved sugars and minerals transported throughout the plant. In addition, evaporation within intercellular spaces provides the cooling mechanism that allows plants to maintain the favorable temperatures necessary for metabolic processes. Water is transported throughout plants almost continuously. There is a constant movement of water from the soil to the roots, from the roots into the various parts of the plant, then into the leaves where it is released into the atmosphere as water vapor through the stomata (small openings in the leaf surfaces). In relation to plant reactions, it is known that a certain hydration of tissues must be maintained for continuation of active processes at the cell level. Although aging and development of organs may bring about changes in the level of hydration, nevertheless in active cells, the moisture is usually high and therefore, adjustments of moisture balance in soil is of particular interest. Well-watered plants maintain their shape due to the internal pressure in plant cells (turgor pressure). This pressure is also necessary for plant cell expansion and consequently for plant growth. Loss of this pressure occurs due to insufficient water supply. In subtropical regions of the world where the rainfall is erratic, barley is considered much better than wheat owing to its ability to easily survive water stress (Anjum et al 2003). But even in barley, stress of water also leads to production of an array of stress related chemicals of known and unknown constitutions. These on one hand, help the plant to survive under stress conditions and on the other may have effects on the genes leading to changes in