Enhancement of emergence potential and stand establishment of Moringa oleifera Lam. by seed priming

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is a miracle tree that can be used in multiple ways, including as foodstuff, livestock fodder, a plant growth enhancer, or a water purifier. While the stem cutting method is easy and successful for tree propagation, the recent introduction of moringa as a field crop for biomass production requires propagation through seeds. The germination of stored moringa seeds is a problem of great concern that may be overcome by employing seed priming techniques. A pot study was conducted to explore the potential of seed priming in moringa. Seeds were subjected to hydropriming, matripriming, and priming with moringa leaf extract (MLE) for 8, 16, and 24 h. Most of the priming strategies enhanced the emergence rate, synchronized the emergence, and improved seedling vigor. However, hydropriming (8 h) was more effective in improving emergence, shoot vigor, and chlorophyll b contents, while MLE priming (8 h) produced vigorous roots and increased the chlorophyll a and mineral contents of moringa leaves. Both of these priming sources are natural, cheap, environmentally friendly, and easily adaptable for farmers to grow Moringa oleifera from seed.