Tomato Seed Treatment and Germination Responses to Selected Plant Extracts

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of five plant extracts on tomato seed germination, with a focus on their ability to neutralize bacterial and fungal seedborne pathogens. Pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms were isolated and identified from the tomato seeds. To assess the effect of the plant extracts on the health of the seedlings and the level of contamination, ten sterile seeds were soaked in each plant extract for ten and fifteen minutes, respectively, and then placed onto 9 cm diameter sterile Petri dishes covered with filter paper. The germination of tomato seeds treated with aqueous extracts of Rumex tuberosus and Artemisia dracunculus at concentrations of 10% and 15% for 15 min each was compared in a five-replication pot experiment. Significant increases in plant height and root length were observed at 15% concentration of both extracts compared to the control, indicating antimicrobial activity against seedborne pathogens. Major compounds in the extracts were identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, including Estra‑1,3,5,7,9,15-hexaen-17-one, 3‑methoxy and palmitic acid. According to these results, extracts from A. dracunculus and R. tuberosus may have antimicrobial qualities that improve plant growth overall, vigor index, and seed germination.