Slat stress-induced changes in free and bound polyamine levels in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds differing in salt tolerance

Abstract

In the present study, the effect of salt stress (50, 100, 15OmM NaCl) on the endogenous levels of free, bound and total polyamines was studied in dry (Control) and imbibed seeds of salt tolerant (Coban) and salt sensitive (Sanbro) cultivars of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants. Levels of free Spm, Spd, AS-bound Spd and total polyamine were found to be higher in dry seeds of salt sensitive Sanbro than salt tolerant Coban cultivar. Imbibing the seeds, for 24 hours, in different concentrations of saline culture solutions, caused to decrease the free and AS-bound Spm levels only in Sanbro but decreased free, AS-bound, AINS-bound and total Spd with AINS-bound and total Spm levels in both cultivars. The free Put could not be detected in dry seeds whereas a trace amount of Put was found in the imbibed seeds.