Antimicrobial Activity of Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) Seeds

Velvetleaf (Abutilon tbeophrasti Medik. #3 ABUTH) seeds were bioassayed on 241 microbial isolates to assess their antimicrobial activity. Seeds placed on agar plates inoculated with test microorganisms released a dif- fusible substance(s) that inhibited the growth of 117 of 202 (58%) bacteria and all of the fungi tested. Antimicrobial activity of the seeds appeared to be nonselective as the extent of inhibition was not related to type of microorganism nor their origin. Hard, water-impermeable seeds had greater inhibitory activity than imbibed (soft) seeds. The intensity of inhibition was affected by prior leaching of seeds with various solvents and by the stage of seed development. Chem- ical analysis of diffusion zones from agar plates and seed leachates revealed the presence of phenolic compounds. The presence of antimicrobial substances in velvetleaf seeds may contribute to the persistence of viable seeds in soil by inhibiting potential seed-deteriorating microorga- nisms. Additional index words. Antimicrobial compounds, micro- bial ecology, phenolic compounds, seed longevity, ABUTH.

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