EN
The plant growth hormones - BA, GA3 or IAA (alone or in combination) in single dose were injected into the centre of intact imbibed seed, germinated in the presence of water and monitored for root length, shoot length, and activities of α-amylase and proteases during a 10-day germination period of Indian bean seeds. A significant increase was noticed in the root length and shoot length compared to the respective controls. Injection of BA, GA3 or IAA alone resulted in a significant increase in the activity of α-amylase. The increase in the activities of proteases (acidic, neutral and alkaline) was not affected with either BA or GA3 during the early stage of germination, but the fall in their activities in the later stages of germination was suppressed. However, in vivo administration of IAA alone or in combination with BA or GA3 resulted in faster and higher development of a-amylase and protease(s) activities. These results indicated that more than one hormone is necessary for inducing the development of α-amylase and proteases at early stages, and also responsible for maintaining the higher activities in the later stages of germination.