Effects of NaCl (0.1 - 0.2 M) alone or in combination with 1 mM arginine on
growth and endogenous polyamine (PA) content have been observed in two cul
tivars of rice differing in NaCl stress tolerance. The germination, seedlin
gs fresh mass and water content decreased with increase in salinity in both
the cultivars. This inhibition was partially alleviated by application of
arginine. Cv. CSR-27 exhibited relatively better germination than cv. Bas 3
70 at different salinities. Total PA content increased in both the cultivar
s under NaCl stress alone and in combination with arginine. Putrescine to s
permidine and spermine ratio was higher in NaCl-treated seedlings being mor
e in cv. Bas-370 as compared to cv. CSR-27 and the ratio reversed to almost
control level when arginine was applied along with NaCl.