Putrescine Reduces NaCl-Induced Inhibition of Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Changes induced by NaCl and putrescine during germination and early seedling growth of rice were examined for 120 h. Rates of germination and growth of embryo axis decreased when seeds were subjected to salt stress (100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl). NaCl at 150 mM concentration significantly reduced the water uptake of seeds and the rate of mobilisation of reserves. All concentrations of putrescine (0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0mM) applied exogenously to seeds increased the rate of germination and seedling growth when NaCl(150 mM) was also present and 0.01 mM putrescine gave maximum response. Addition of putrescine (0.01 mM) to NaCl solution (150 mM) reduced the net accumulation of sodium and chloride ions in seeds and increased their water uptake. Thus, putrescine can alleviate the adverse effects of NaCl during germination and early seedling growth of rice.