Impact of Bio-foliar Application of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) on Foliage Yield and Quality of Mustard Green (Brassica juncea L.)

Abstract

Background: Moringa oleifera is a vegetable widely consumed because of its nutritional benefits such as proteins, vitamins minerals, antioxidant compounds, and vitamin E. While the plant leaves have been utilized to produce organic fertilizer or bio-extract, other parts such as stems, branches, or leaf petioles have often been discarded as waste. Methods: The present study evaluated different ratios (1:10; 1:20; 1:30; 1:40 and 1:50) and types of bio-foliar fertilizers (Moringa bio-foliar fertilizer, chitosan, and seaweed fertilizers) on yield, and quality in mustard green. The pot and field experiments were conducted in the spring seasons of 2019 and 2020 in completely randomized design using three replications. Result: The results showed that the mustard green yield and quality were affected by ratio and type of bio-foliar fertilizer in both seasons. Highest yield and quality was found for application of moringa bio-foliar fertilizer. The nitrate accumulation value (147.3 mg kg-1) found were also higher for moringa bio-foliar fertilizer but lower than the standard threshold. A strong relationship was found between economic yield (R2 = 0.82 to 0.95 in pots and field experiment (R2 = 0.78 to 0.81). In conclusion, moringa bio-foliar fertilizer at spraying ratio of 1:10 can be used to achieve higher yield and quality for mustard green.