Effect of Salinity on the Activities of RNase, DNase and Protease during Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Mung Bean

Seeds and seedlings of mung bean (Phaseolus aureus Roxb.) were treated separately with NaCl, KCl, Na₂SO₄ and K₂SO₄ solutions of 5 and 10 S/cm conducitivity. The activity of RNase, DNase and protease were estimated in cotyledons, embryo axis, leaves, and roots. Salinity caused inhibition of RNase activity in the cotyledons and roots, but increase in embryo axis and leaves. Activity of DNase was also increased; sodium salt was more effective than potassium irrespective of associated anion. Salinity in general either reduced or had no effect on protease activity in all organs, with the exception of NaCl which doubled it in leaves.