EFFECT OF SOME NITROGENOUS SALTS ON NITROGEN TRANSFER AND PROTEASE ACTIVITY IN GERMINATING ZEA-MAYS-L SEEDS

Maize seeds were allowed to germinate in the presence of different nitrogenous salts for 72 h. Changes in the ethanol soluble and insoluble N were studied in the embryo and in the endosperm. Ca(NO3)2 enhanced germination and protease activity in the endosperm resulting in greater solubilization of protein to soluble N in the seeds. NH4NO3 and (NH4)2SO4 were less effective as compared to Ca(NO3)2. Cycloheximide inhibited germination and protease activity. Pretreatment resulted in an increase in growth, soluble and insoluble N and nitrate reductase activity in the primary leaves. Ca(NO3)2 was more effective than NH4NO3 and (NH4)2SO4.