Plant Growth Inhibition by Streptomycin and Its Prevention by Manganese

Abstract

Streptomycin markedly inhibits growth of Avena coleoptile sections. Inhibition starts at 10 mg/1. and rises rapidly to 80% inhibition of growth at 100 mg/l. The effect of streptomycin is prevented by Mn++ ions; 1 x 10[center dot]3 [image] Mn++ completely counteracts 100 mg/1 streptomycin. Mn++must be present with the streptomycin. Pretreatment of the sections with Mn++ has only a slight effect on inhibition, and post-treatment is ineffective. Other cations and various organic compounds are without activity comparable to that of Mn++ in preventing the inhibition. Mn++ does not reduce streptomycin inhibition of the growth of Escherichia coli "B" in liquid culture.