Abstract : Various morphological and physiological traits related to water deficit tolerance (relative water content, osmotic adjustment) were studied in four durum wheat varieties of diverse origin, and with different agronomic behaviors. Significant relationships were observed between osmotic adjustment and relative water content, which confirms the significant role played by osmotic adjustment in maintaining yields under drought conditions. This study highlighted the interest of osmotic adjustment in maintaining cell turgor in plants subjected to a water deficit. This suggests the use of this parameter as a selection criterion in the same way as the relative water content to improve tolerance and increase yield.