Colonization of Retama raetam Seeds by Fungi and Their Significance in Seed Germination

Examination by scanning electron microscopy and potato-dextrose agar medium showed that the dry seeds of R. raetam were externally free of fungi. When planted in sandy loam soil, the seeds become colonized with eleven soilborne fungal species. The fungi were isolated on cellulose agar, pectin agar and lignin agar media. Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Penicillium capsulatum and Fusarium oxysporum had broad occurrence and recovered on the three media. The production of hydrolytic enzymes by the isolated fungi depends on the substrate and species. P. capsulatum, P. spinulosum and A. niger had wide enzymatic amplitude and they were able to produce cellulolytic, pectolytic and lignolytic activities on corresponding substrates as well as on seed coat containing media. The lignolytic activities of the isolated species except Chaetomium bostrychods and Trichoderma viride were enhanced on applying the seed coat materials as C-source rather than using lignin. Soaking R. raetam seeds in culture filtrates of the most fungi grown on seed coat supplemented media induced pronounced and distinct stimulating effect on seed germination. The most effective filtrates were those of P. capsulatum, P. spinulosum and Sporotrichum pulverulentum.