Effect of date extract on growth and spore germination of Bacillus subtilis

Berhi date extract was studied for its effect on the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. From 80 to 99% inhibition was observed in nutrient broth cultures containing 20% (w/v) date extract. Spore germination of B. subtilis was inhibited completely using various concentrations of date extract. Cell elongation and depression in the cell wall of B. subtilis were seen by scanning electron microscopy as a result of incubation in a growth medium containing dates.