POTENTIAL OF MORINGA LEAF EXTRACT ON SEED PRIMING AND GROWTH PROMOTION OF CAULIFLOWER

Abstract

Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam) leaf extract (MLE) enhances the germination percentage and seedling growth of cauliflower through its rich nutrient profile, essential compounds like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. The study explores the potential of MLE as a novel agent for seed priming as well as growth promotion in cauliflower cultivation. This study provides insights into sustainable agricultural practices by using MLE for improving crop productivity. Experiment was conducted in controlled laboratory condition. Four treatments (T 0 : Tap water as control, T 1 : MLE prepared from 10 minutes boiling, T : MLE prepared from 20 minutes boiling, and T : Fresh MLE) were used in this experiment by following Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. In second stage of screening, the best selected treatment in the first stage of screening (T 1 3 ) was further evaluated (M 0 : control, M 1 , M 2 , M ) on growth promotion of cauliflower plant. Application of MLE prepared from 10 minutes boiling (T 3 treatment) showed the significantly highest germination percentage (100%), and mean daily germination (97.5%). Besides, treatment T 1 produced larger root (1.8 cm), accumulated higher fresh (0.244 g) and dry weight (0.043 g) of cauliflower seedlings compared to other treatments. In pot study, treatment M 3 (15 ml water:1 ml MLE−T produced the highest plant height (30.9 cm), leaf number (15.0), leaf width (11.1cm), petiole length (8.7 cm) and dry weight (9.7 g) at harvest. Thus, MLE creates a conducive environment for optimal cauliflower seed germination and robust early seedling growth. 1

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