Physiological and Biochemical Insights into NADP-Dependent Malate Metabolism under Drought Stress in Bread Wheat

The diverse and essential functions of NADP-MDH and NADP-ME highlight their important roles in carbon allocation and energy metabolism in higher plants. These enzymes provide valuable insights into the biochemical and molecular mechanisms linking photosynthesis, respiration, and photorespiration. Therefore, the activities of two key enzymes involved in malate metabolism, NADP-malate dehydrogenase (NADP-MDH) and NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME), were evaluated in the leaves of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes differing in drought tolerance. Among the genotypes studied, the highest NADP-MDH activity was recorded in Murov 2 and Zirva 85. These results indicate that Murov 2 may possess enhanced metabolic adaptation to drought conditions and could serve as a promising genetic resource for breeding programs aimed at developing drought-tolerant wheat varieties, particularly for rainfed and semi-arid environments.