Effects of polyamines on the ion content and solutes excretion of isolated embryonic axes and the germination rate of seeds of chickpea

The effect that three polyamines, spermine, spermidine and cadaverine, have on the growth rate and the endogenous ion content of isolated, chickpea (Cicer arietinum, L.) embryonic axes and the germination of whole seeds has been studied. Both the growth rate and ion content are in the same direction, but depending upon each individual polyamine and the concentration. In moderate quantities, spermine increases growth rate, spermidine less so and cadaverine not at all; while at high quantities, spermine greatly reduces growth rate, spermidine less so and cadaverine has no effect. Cadaverine has more effect on the germination of whole seeds. The excretion of aminoacids and sugars into the medium in response to these polyamines was significantly augmented.