Effect of salt stress on ammonium assimilation enzymes of the roots of rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars differing in salinity resistance

Effects of NaCl-stress on ammonia assimilation enzymes and the related parameters were determined in the roots of three rice (Oryza sativa U cultivars differing in salt tolerance. The results showed that the activities of glutamine synthetase (GS) and NADH-dependent glutamate synthase (NADH-GOGAT), as well as the levels of soluble protein decreased under high concentration salt. The influence extent was in accordance with Zao-hua 2 (salt-sensitive), Jin-zhu 1 (normal cultivar) and Jin-dao 779 (salt-resistant), which was consistent with their salt-tolerance. Nevertheless, under the stress of high salt concentration, NADH-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase (NADH-GDH) activity of Zao-hua 2 and Jin-zhu 1 was induced significantly, but that of Jin-dao 779 did not increase remarkably. The salt stress led to the accumulation of total soluble sugar (TSS) in the root of Jin-zhu 1 and Jin-dao 779 in different degree. The level of TSS in Zao-hua 2 changed with different NaCl concentrations. Among the cultivars observed, content of proline increased in different degree, but under high salt concentrations, it had a more marked rise in the roots of salt-sensitive cultivars.