The influence of NaCl or Na2SO4 on glutamate, proline and glycine betaine contents and the activities of pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) reductase, proline dehydrogenase and proline oxidase was studied in greengram seedlings. The levels of glutamate decreased. Consequently, proline accumulated substantially in roots and shoots of stressed seedlings; glycine betaine content increased in the tissues. The activity of P5C reductase was enhanced while proline dehydrogenase and proline oxidase were inhibited to a great extent. Further, the response of these enzymes to salt stress is discussed.