Table 10 Leaf and root antioxidants content of wheat as influenced by mulch treatments, varieties and their interactions under water stress

Control (unmulched and irrigated)

52.447 ± 0.45^e

72.037 ± 1.58^a

62.242^c

29.057 ± 1.83 ^g

41.443 ± 4.23^c−e

35.250^d

Mulch 1 Mg ha⁻¹ + water

53.000 ± 4.79^e

71.890 ± 2.31^a

62.445^c

30.110 ± 0.71 ^g

42.220 ± 2.31^b−e

36.165 ^cd

Mulch 3 Mg ha⁻¹ + water

56.360 ± 2.61^de

72.107 ± 0.82^a

64.233^bc

31.943 ± 0.42 ^fg

42.333 ± 0.68^b−e

37.138 ^cd

Mulch 5 Mg ha⁻¹ + water

56.693 ± 2.69^c−e

72.187 ± 0.92^a

64.440^bc

38.703 ± 2.18^c−e

47.890 ± 2.18^ab

43.297^ab

Water stress (40% soil field capacity)

60.260 ± 2.66^b−d

72.223 ± 0.40^a

66.242^a−c

36.520 ± 0.52^ef

42.220 ± 0.64^b−e

39.370^b−d

Mulch (1 Mg ha⁻¹) + water stress

61.517 ± 2.79^b−d

70.553 ± 0.76^a

66.035^a−c

36.780 ± 0.55^d−f

42.590 ± 0.98^a−d

39.685^bc

Mulch (3 Mg ha⁻¹) + water stress

63.150 ± 1.00^bc

72.443 ± 0.57^a

67.797^ab

37.110 ± 2.31^C−F

42.943 ± 4.59^a−c

40.027^bc

Mulch (5 Mg ha⁻¹) + water stress

63.260 ± 4.33^b

75.890 ± 0.71^a

69.575^a

42.613 ± 0.55^a−d

48.500 ± 1.51^a

45.557^a

Mean

58.336^b

72.416^a

35.355^b

43.768^a