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inoculation resulted in a notable decrease in the area affected by bacterial fruit blotch in the control melon seedlings from 14.4% to only 1.6% in the treated seedlings )a ninefold reduction(. Similarly, Khat extract reduced the area affected by bacterial leaf spot in tomato seedlings from 24.7% to 4.4%, demonstrating an almost sixfold reduction. In conclusion, our research uncovered the source of Khat’s special antibacterial properties, which have many foreseeable applications of benefit to Humanity. We tested methanol extracts from Khat, and observed significant inhibition of bacterial growth, including phytopathogens. Seven different endophytic bacteria were isolated from Khat, each showing individual antimicrobial inhibition capabilities against various bacteria; however, when the seven were combined, they failed to protect the melon and tomato seedlings from phytopathogens, contrary to the individual treatments. This discrepancy suggests the need for further experimentation with the combined endophytes. Nonetheless, the Khat extract effectively shielded the melon and the tomato seedlings from both the bacterial fruit blotch and the bacterial leaf spot diseases, respectively. We propose that Khat’s anti-phytopathogenic defense mechanism results from a combination of antibacterial activity by endophytic bacteria and plant-produced compounds.
Keywords Khat, Medicinal uses, Antibacterial activity, Leaf extraction, Endophytes, Plant defense mechanisms, Phytopathogenic bacteria.
Book Of Abstracts | Class 2023
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