Amino transferases and nitrate reductase activity in Cassia angustifolia seedlings as affected by salinity stress

A study was undertaken to examine the effect of salinity on growth and activities of nitrate reductase (NR), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) in Cassia angustifolia vahl. seedlings. Increase in salinity levels decreased the root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight of seedlings. Salinity induced changes in the levels of certain leaf and root metabolites (soluble protein, proline and phenols). A close relationship was established between enzyme activities and salt stress. GPT and GOT activities were suppressed at higher salinity level while NR activity was enhanced only at 3 and 6 days after sowing and declined subsequently. Variation in the levels of these enzymes, involving different facets of nitrogen metabolism, could act as possible indicators in salt tolerance mechanism in C. angustifolia seedlings.