MEMBRANE THERMOSTABILITY AND NITRATE REDUCTASE ACTIVITY IN RELATION TO WATER STRESS TOLERANCE OF YOUNG SUGAR-CANE PLANTS.

An assessment of tolerance to water stress based upon measurements of cellular membrane thermostability and in vivo nitrate reductase activity (NRA) was made using young leaves of sugar-cane (Saccharum officinarum L. commercial hybrids, Co 419, Co 740 and Co 1148) subjected to stress (51 to 61 d old) and subsequent hydration. An average reduction in leaf water potential (Ψ ) from -0.