Abstract: Studies on the physiological response to water stress in 7-10 varieties (species)of sugarcane were carried out . Drought-resistant varieties (species)had a higher rate of bleeding and higher rate of water losing in detached leaves. The Plasmalemma permeability was increased under the water stress induced by PEG. The permeability was smallerr in drought - resistant varieties (species). Under soil drought stress conditions, drought - resistant varieties (species) accumulated comparatively higher free proline content than those in the less drought - resistant varieties. Cellular bound water content was increased and higher content of cellular bound water was found in drought - resistant varieties (species). The correlation between the change of amylase activity and drought resistance was not verv definite.