The effect of osmotic stress on oxidative injury, compatible solutes content and water relations was investigated
in two maize cultivars (Zea mays L. cv. Ankora – drought-sensitive and cv. Nova – drought-tolerant). Relative
water content in leaves of both cultivars decreased after drought treatment, leaf water loss of sensitive cv. Ankora
was higher than that of cv. Nova. The 24 h water stress induced by 0.3M sorbitol (–1.4 MPa) resulted in a damage
of cell membranes. Lipid peroxidation rose in all studied organs of cv. Ankora and electrolyte leakage in roots of
cv. Ankora was much higher than in cv. Nova. Similarly, proline content increased significantly in all studied organs
of cv. Ankora. Content of soluble sugars increased in all studied organs of both cultivars, but the mesocotyl
of cv. Nova accumulated the highest amount of sugars. The electrolyte leakage was the highest in the roots of both
cultivars. Osmotic stress had deep influence predominantly on the roots of both cultivars. It is apparent that stress
impact on the drought-sensitive cv. Ankora was deeper than on the drought-tolerant cv. Nova