No abstract

The main aim of this study was to analyze the mobilization of storage reserves during seed germination of Citrus limon by host plantendophytic bacteria interaction and to determine the contribution of endophytic bacteria in plant establishment. The seeds were inoculated with three different endophytic bacteria from Bacillus spp. which were isolated from the leaf of Citrus limon plant, and they were germinated in the dark. Fresh weight changes and early seedling growth were assessed, in all germinated and non-germinated seeds. To understand the mechanism promoting seed germination, the activities of extracellular enzymes of bacterial isolates were also analyzed by the plate assay method. The results showed that treatment with endophytic bacteria accelerated during the germination process. In summary, our current study showed that endophytic bacteria improved seed germination and post-germination seedling growth of Citrus limon plant inoculation with endophytic bacteria could promote storage reserve mobilization during or following germination; three bacterial isolates might have different action mechanisms on seed germination. The improved germination percentage and decreased germination period (GPD) using external agents can be exploited in conservation of this overexploited medicinally important plant.