ABSTRACT
The interactive effects of mechanical wounding with
or without crude extracts of neem (Azadirachta
indica) and bitter apple (Citrullus colocynthis,
CCT) supplementation on growth, chlorophyll,
carotenoids, soluble sugars (SS), soluble proteins
(SP) and total free amino acids (TAA) in Ricinus
communis plants were studied. In responses to
mechanical wounding Ricinus plants produced more
soluble sugars and soluble proteins. On the other
hand, chlorophyll a, cartenoids and total free amino
acids contents as well as dry mass production
declined upon wounding. Neem and CCT crude
extracts application, whether independently or in
combination, counteracted in various degrees the
deleterious effects of wounding stress on growth.
Crude extracts increased SS, SP as well as Chl and
cartenoids contents and improved wounded plants
growth. The effect of single factors (wounding,
neem and CCT extract) could be modified or reverse
by the interaction between these factors when used
in combination (eg. total amino acids, Chl a and
carotenoids). The results clearly indicate that CCT
and neem crude extracts supplementation might be
beneficial in attenuating the harmful effects of
mechanical wounding stress on plant growth.