The expression of defence-related peroxidases Prx7 and Prx8 in barley roots grown under selected abiotic stress conditions (toxic metals: Cd, Al, Co, Cu, Hg; drought, salinity, extreme temperatures: heat, cold) and compounds activating (2,4-D) or inhibiting (SHAM) POD activity as well as H₂O₂ and H₂O₂ scavenger (DTT) was characterized. Strong Cd concentration dependent expression of Prx8 peroxidase gene was observed, which correlated with root growth inhibition induced by Cd-and some other stress factors (heavy metals, heat and salinity). Application of H₂O₂ did not cause changes in expression of Prx8, but H₂O₂ scavenger (DTT) as well as the inhibitor (SHAM) and the activator (2,4-D) of PODs induced increase in Prx8 expression. Our results demonstrate that root growth inhibition during any disturbance of active oxygen species (AOS) in root tissue is correlated with upregulation of Prx8 gene expression in barley roots.