Allium cepa vs. Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Overview

Objectives/Goals Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a bacterium which causes the disease crown gall, or a plant tumor. Allium cepa, or commonly called onion, is known to have many beneficial effects related to medicine. Therefore, in this experiment, we are going to test whether the application of Allium cepa helps alleviate/rid the plant of the tumors produced via the bacteria. Methods/Materials First, we will scrape Agrobacterium tumefaciens off the blood agar using a sterile inoculating loop, and mix it in a cup with distilled water. Then, inject 1 c.c. of this solution in the root of the plants and after two weeks, record the number of plant tumors. Then, inject 1 c.c. of onion paste into the root, and after two weeks, record the number of remaining tumors (galls). Results After observing 15 trials, we noticed the onion had a relatively alleviating effect on the crown galls. The sizes of the galls would greatly decrease or completely disappear, proving that onion was in fact beneficial in the treatment of plant tumors. Conclusions/Discussion This experiment was an extension of a project from last year, in which we tested the effect of Allium sativum (garlic) on the same bacteria. The main difference in the extension was the variable used. We chose onion this year because of the similar properties of allicin (active ingredient), and the experiment was a success. The purpose of both experiments is to ultimately find a substance to cure one of the largest agricultural problems today.

Competition history

• CSEF 2007 Plant Biology · Entry S1701

Resources

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