Effect of Bacillus licheniformis on seed germination of different weed species

Abstract

The effects of Bacillus licheniformis on seed germination and seedlings growth of several weed species (Abuthilon theophrasti Medik., Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Cuscuta campestris Yunck., Datura stramonium L. and Onopordon acanthium L.), have been tested. Seeds of each species were germinated in water solutions containing B. licheniformis, in Petri dishes, while seedlings growth tested after transfer of seeds germinated in water immediately after radicle emergence. Control (seed germination/seedlings growth in water) was also included for each weed species. Germination tests were conducted in an incubator set to 25°C, in the dark. Seeds were considered to be germinated with the emergence of the radicle. Germinated seeds were counted and percentage of germination was calculated after 7 days. Also, seedlings lengths were measured 7 days after seedling transfer to bacterial solution. The obtained results shown that B. licheniformis inhibited A. theophrasti, A. artemisiifolia, C. campestris and D. stramonium seed germination, while effect on O. acanthium was opposite. Contrary to effect on germination, bacterial solution had promotional effect on seedlings growth.