Effect of Klebsiella Spp. and Different Ethylene Inhibitors on Striga hermonthica Benth. (Del.) Seeds Germination

The aim 0f this study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of the bacteria strain (Klebsiella spp.), silver nitrate, cobalt chloride and ACC in germination of Striga seeds. Striga seeds required after- ripening, pretreatment (conditioning) in moist warm environment for 2-14 days and subsequently exposure to an exogenous stimulant. In the present study, an inhibitor of ethylene biosynthesis, AgNO3 and CoCl2 was found to inhibit germination. Germination was found to be inhibited by higher concentrations of AgNO3 and CoCl2. Combination of ACC with AgNO3 and CoCl2 increased Striga seeds suppression as compared with control. Also this study investigates the effect of microorganism in Striga germination. Klebsiella spp. strains known to produce large amounts of ethylene were tested for efficacy in germinating seeds of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. Incubation of conditioned S. hermonthica seeds over a medium inoculated with a Klebsiella sp. resulted in considerable germination (34-49%) this indicates an involvement of a volatile substance. Unconditioned S. hermonthica seeds were not stimulated.