Protection of tomato seed germination from the inhibitory effect of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid by inoculation of soil with Burkholderia cepacia AC1100

The effect of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4,5-T) on the germinati on and seedling vigor of different crop seeds was tested. Seeds of rice, ma ize, sorghum, finger millet, and horse gram were comparatively more toleran t to the chemical with no marked effect up to a concentration of 200 mg 2,4 ,5-T L-1 as tested by the filter paper method. Tomato and brinjal (egg plan t) were highly susceptible. Even-at 5 and 10 mg 2,4,5-T L-1, marked reducti on in the germination and seedling vigor of tomato and egg plant, respectiv ely, was observed. At 20 and 30 mg L-(1), the germination of tomato and egg plant seeds, respectively, were completely inhibited on filter paper, wher eas the inhibitory concentrations in soil was 40 mg 2,4,5-T kg(-1) soil. Se veral abnormalities were observed in the chemically affected seedlings. Pro tease activity of the seeds germinating in the presence of the chemical was drastically reduced. Bioremediation of the chemically contaminated soil wi th Burkholderia cepacia AC1100, by inoculation of the soil 7 days before so wing the seeds, completely protected the seeds, resulting in normal germina tion and an improved seedling vigor.