Growth Inhibitors in Cucumber Plants and Seeds1

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Abstract
Testa of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. PI 169391) seed contain inhibitor(s) that suppressed germination of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) and seedling growth of cucumber. Seed fermentation and/or leaching with distilled water reduced inhibition, while activated charcoal eliminated the toxicity. Inhibitory effects of cucumber seed extracts on cucumber and proso millet germination decreased with maturity of the cucumber seed and fruit. PI 169391 seeds were both autotoxic and allelopathic during early seedling development. Partitioning with organic solvents demonstrated that the toxic compound(s) were polar. Extracts of other seed tissues were non-toxic as were extracts from seed and fruit of ‘Pioneer’ cucumber. Fruit juice extracts from PI 169391 suppressed growth of both cucumber and proso millet.

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