Application of polyamines in horticulture: A review

Polyamines are ubiquitous organic compounds in plants that are involved in various physiological functions; they play key role in the regulation of ion channels and molecule transportation in the cell membrane. Being positively charged, polyamines can bind to macromolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins, hence stabilize them against free radicals activity. Their importance with respect to plant growth and development is already established especially their role against stresses is of prime concerns to the scientists. It is revealed by various scientists that exogenous application of polyamines protects the plants from stress by expressing various stress relevant genes. Polyamines also play direct defensive role during stress by eliciting cell death at the sight of pathogen entry. A lot of work has been done on various aspects of fruits, vegetables and ornamental crops using exogenous polyamines. Present paper is developed to gather all possible published research from reliable resources in a logical sequence especially related to horticulture, so the researchers and other stake holders related to this field can get the benefit.