Postharvest Application of Moringa Leaf Extract Maintains the Quality of Persimmon Fruits During Extended Storage

The use of synthetic fertilizers is a potential source of environmental hazards. Natural plant-based growth regulators are eco-friendly, inexpensive and their use is highly recommended. Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) is also known as a miracle plant with high nutritional content, medicinal and plant growth-promoting properties due to the presence of appreciable levels of hormones, vitamins, micro, and macronutrients. However, no literature has been found regarding the effect of moringa leaf extract (MLE) application on safflower plants (Carthamus tinctorius L.). Therefore, the present experiment investigated the effect of two different concentrations of MLE (3 and 20%) on various biochemical, mineral content, growth, and biomass-related attributes of safflower plants. Results revealed that application of MLE significantly improved chlorophyll content, maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), shoot and root length, fresh and dry biomass. Moreover, MLE application also significantly enhanced activities of leaf superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) while decreasing H2O2 and MDA content. Foliar application of MLE also resulted in a notable increase in proline, glycine betaine, and mineral content. The application of MLE (20%) manifested maximum improvement in all attributes when compared to MLE (3%). Pearson's correlation analysis revealed positive correlation among growth, biomass, biochemical and mineral content, whereas a strong negative correlation was found between these traits and oxidative stress markers (H2O2 and MDA) under MLE application. The present experimental findings indicate that MLE application can be employed as a natural plant growth regulator. Furthermore, the MLE enhanced the antioxidant system and reduced oxidative stress, therefore, it can be used to ameliorate the detrimental effects of environmental adversities on plants.

An experiment to study the impact of foliar application of moringa leaf extract (MLE) on growth, development and yield of mungbean (Vigna radiata L. cv. AEM-96) was carried out at Students' Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Crop Production (FCPD), Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam-Pakistan, during the ''Kharif'' season, 2023 and the same experiment was repeated during the ''Kharif'' season, 2024. The field experiment was laid out in four replicated randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a single factor arrangement and seven treatments. The net plot size was 4 m x 3 m (12 m2). The study aimed to examines the effect of different concentrations of moringa leaf extract (MLE), MLE @ 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% were applied against a control (without MLE) and a recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) NPK @ 25: 50: 25 (kg ha-1) was applied in all plots to evaluate their effects on crop performance. The objectives of this investigation are to: (i). to evaluate the effect of moringa leaf extract (MLE) on growth, development and yield of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.). (ii). to calculate the proper concentration of moringa leaf extract (MLE) for better growth and yield of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.). (iii). to calculate the correlation and regression for all treatments to determine the treatment-wise effect of the moringa leaf extract (MLE). Throughout the experiment, the study aimed to evaluate the impact of soil physio-chemical properties, agronomic traits, physiological responses, meteorological observations, nutrients analysis from mungbean grains, and economic feasibility for mungbean cultivation. For statistical validation, all collected data were analyzed using Statistix-8.1 software with the HSD test to compare treatment effects, while regression and Pearson correlation analysis tested relationships among variables. The results revealed that increasing MLE concentrations significantly improved mungbean growth and yield attributes (P ≤ 0.05) across all agronomic, physiological, and yield parameters. The best performance was recorded with MLE @ 100%, which produced the highest seed yield SY (kg ha-1). Minimum days to first seed germination DFSG were recorded with MLE @ 100% (4.5 days) compared to control (11 days). The maximum seed yield SY was recorded with MLE @ 100%, producing 1942.87 (kg ha⁻¹), whereas the minimum yield 1386.87 (kg ha⁻¹) was recorded in the control treatment (T1, without MLE). Among, the results of regression and correlation analyses, over two consecutive years of study 2023-2024, the study employed a strong relationship between MLE treatments and yield (R² = 0.857, Adjusted R² = 0.807, F = 17.17, p < 0.0001), indicating 85.7% of the yield variation over both study years. MLE @ 100% treatment (T₇) gave the greatest yield increase (543.71 kg ha⁻¹, p < 0.0001) over control, followed by MLE @ 80% treatment (T6) with (453.71 kg ha⁻¹). Similarly, Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed extremely strong positive relationships between seed yield SY (kg ha⁻¹) and traits like (seed weight pod⁻¹ SWPP g: r = 0.9979***), (plant height PH cm: r = 0.9971***), and (branches plant⁻¹ BPP: r = 0.9937***). Additionally, the results of economic analysis specifically focused on benefit-cost ratio (BCR) showed MLE @ 100% had the highest benefit-cost-ratio (BCR = 3.955), indicating superior profitability. From the results obtained, it is concluded that the exogenous application of moringa leaf extract (MLE) significantly enhanced multiple growth parameters, including crop growth rate CGR (gm-² day-1), net assimilation rate NAR (g m-² day-1), total dry matter TDM (kg ha-1), protein content (PC %) from grains, and seed yield SY (kg ha-1). Yield response was dose-dependent, with effectiveness ranking as: MLE @ 100% > MLE @ 80% > MLE @ 60% > MLE @ 40% > MLE @ 20% > RDF (NPK) > control. Overall, the study recommends foliar application of MLE @ 100% (200 L ha⁻¹) at critical crop growth stages (germination, flowering and pod development), ideally combined with NPK, as an eco-friendly, high-efficiency bio-stimulant for mungbean cultivation.

Wheat is regarded as a main staple crop in Pakistan because its contribution to the daily diet of a common man is 60%. Late sowing of wheat not only reduces yield but also affects efficiency of other production factors but it is not possible to absolutely avoid late sowing. Moringa leaf extract (MLE), exogenously applied either through seed or plant foliage, is known to boost field crops productivity under both normal and unfavorable conditions. A study was conducted to evaluate the crop growth enhancing potential of MLE alone and in combination with hydrogen peroxide, salicylic acid (SA) and ascorbic acid (ASA). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with split plot arrangements having three replications. The treatments were control, hydropriming, MLE (3%) priming, MLE + H2O2 (2 μM) + SA (50 mg L−1) + ASA (50 mg L−1) priming, water spray, MLE spray and MLE + H2O2 + SA + ASA spray. Foliar treatments were applied twice during growth period at tillering and booting stages. Foliar application and priming approaches of MLE alone and with growth promoting substances were found to be better than control, and foliar effects were more prominent. Foliar application of MLE improved biological and grain yields and biochemical parameters as compared to control. It can be concluded that application of MLE as a priming agent improved the emergence parameters in normal and late sown wheat. Alone and blended MLE spray also enhanced the biochemical traits as well as growth attributes of wheat. Notably, application of moringa leaf extract alone portrays a beneficial role in terms of biological as well as economical yield of late sown wheat.

This study was carried out in the Crop Farm of Eastern University, Sri Lanka during the period from January to May 2019 to ascertain the effect of foliar application of moringa leaf extract (MLE) on growth and fruit yield of Capsicum annum L.cv (chilli) MIPC-1. This investigation was followed in a pot experiment with Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with seven treatments and seven replicates. The concentrations of Moringa leaf extract were 10%, 20%, 30% in addition to 0% (distilled water) as control. The treatments included were; T0 - control (Distilled water), T1 - 10% MLE at once a week interval, T2 - 10% MLE at once in two weeks interval, T3 - 20% MLE at once a week interval, T4 - 20% MLE at once in two weeks interval, T5 - 30% MLE at once a week interval and T6 - 30% MLE at once in two weeks interval. The Moringa oleifera leaf extract was sprayed on leaves and axial parts starting from two weeks after transplanting (WAT) and it was continued until pod formation. 25 ml of MLE was sprayed per plant. The results of the experiment showed that the foliar application of MLE with 10% concentration at one-week interval had significant (p<0.05) effects on the plant height, number of branches/plant, dry weight of leaves/plant, stems/plant, roots/plant, fruit/plant and total dry of plant were statistically analysed using Statistically Analytical Software (SAS). The results indicated that the foliar application of moringa leaf extract stimulated the growth and fruit yield of chilli. Based on the results, it was concluded that MLE helps in improving the growth and fruit yield of Chilli and MLE with 10% concentration at one-week interval is recommended for improved growth and fruit yield of Capsicum annuum L.cv.(Chilli) MIPC-1.

BackgroundNatural and synthetic plant growth regulators are essential for plant health, likewise these regulators also play a role in increasing organic production productivity and improving quality and yield stability. In the present study, we have evaluated the effects of foliar applied plant growth regulators, i.e., moringa leaf extract (MLE) and mepiquat chloride (MC) alone and in combination MC and MLE on the conventional cotton cultivar (CIM 573) and transgenic one (CIM 598). The growth regulators were applied at the start of bloom, 45 and 90 days after blooming.ResultsThe application of MC and MLE at 90 days after blooming significantly improved the relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, the number of bolls per plant, and seed cotton yield. Likewise, the combined application of MLE and MC at 90 days after blooming significantly boosted the nitrogen uptake in locules, as well as the phosphorus and potassium uptake in the leaves of both cotton cultivars. The application of MLE alone has considerably improved the nitrogen uptake in leaves, and phosphorus and potassium contents in locules of Bt and conventional cotton cultivars. Similarly, Bt cotton treated with MLE at 90 days after blooming produced significantly higher ginning out turn and oil contents. Treatment in combination (MLE + MC) at 90 days after blooming produced considerably higher micronaire value, fiber strength, and staple length in conventional cultivar.ConclusionThe natural growth enhancer, MLE is a rich source of minerals and zeatin, improving the nutrient absorption and quality of cotton fiber in both conventional and Bt cotton cultivars.

The field experiment was laid out in four replicated randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a single factor arrangement and seven treatments. The net plot size was 4 m x 3 m (12 m2). The study examines the impact of moringa leaf extract (MLE) was evaluated at various growth stages on mungbean growth, yield and quality, with seven treatments including different timing intervals comprised of moringa leaf extract (MLE) application 10 DAS, 20 DAS, 30 DAS, 40 DAS, and 50 DAS, alongside a control (without MLE) and recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) NPK @ 25: 50: 25 (kg ha-1) was applied in all plots to evaluate their effects on crop performance. The study aimed to identify the optimum MLE application stage and frequency, analyze treatment responses through correlation and regression, and promote MLE as a cost-effective bio-nutrient alternative to synthetic fertilizers. The study evaluated soil physio-chemical properties, agronomic traits, physiological attributes, meteorological data, grain nutrient status, and economic returns throughout the experiment. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistix-8.1 software with the HSD test to compare treatment effects, while the regression and Pearson correlation analysis tested relationships among variables. The (ANOVA) results demonstrated that MLE significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved mungbean traits: reduced days to first seed germination DFSG (5.0 days), increased plant height PH (83.91 cm), branches plant⁻¹ BPP (14.22), pods plant⁻¹ PPP (88.62), seed yield SY (2042.75 kg ha⁻¹), and protein content PC from grains (23.95%). In contrast, the results of regression analysis showed maximum seed yield SY (572.0 kg ha⁻¹, p < 0.001) at 10 DAS treatment (T₃) with high model fit (R² = 0.8843; Adjusted R² = 0.8512; F = 26.77, p < 0.00000001). Moreover, Pearson’s correlation analysis showed extremely strong positive relationships between seed yield SY (kg ha-1) and key traits: (pods plant⁻¹ PPP: r = 0.9985***), (net assimilation rate NAR, g m-² day-1: r = 0.9993***), and (crop growth rate CGR, gm-² day-1: r = 0.9982***). Notably, the results of economic analysis confirmed highest benefit-cost-ratio (BCR = 4.035) at 10 DAS treatment T3. Overall, the study recommends foliar application of MLE (MLE application 10 DAS) @ (200 L ha⁻¹), as an eco-friendly, high-efficiency bio-stimulant for mungbean cultivation.

The spray of moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf extract is crucial for the biomass output and nutrient content of maize. The current study was conducted in 2021–2022 in green house Department of Soil Science, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam. The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the impact of foliar application of moringa leaf extract on maize nutritional content and biomass production. Five distinct treatments, each with three repeats, were placed in 15 pots, each pot was filled with 5 kgs of soil, and an experimental trial was conducted using a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Moringa Leaf Extract was applied as foliar spray after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of plant emergence. The results reveal that the plant growth parameters i.e., shoot length (19.55cm), shoot fresh weight (13.22g plant-1), shoot dry weight (7.00 g plant-1), leaf fresh weight (3.6 g) and No. of leaves plant-1 (7.33), tap root length (54.00 cm) and tap root fresh weight (2.89 g plant-1), tap root dry weight (1.73 g) significantly increased in all treated pots. The leaf tissues of maize plant were also assessed for their nutrient content i.e., Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. The results indicate that the maize plant was affected by three different treatments of moringa leaf extract applied at various crop growth stages. Maximum nitrogen content was found in maize leaf (4.79%) where the crop was sprayed thrice, whereas maximum phosphorus and potassium content was observed (0.72%) and (3.44%) respectively. It is concluded from the study that the biomass production and nutrient content of maize crop were significantly affected by treatment five where foliar spray of moringa leaf extract was applied after 2, 4 and 6 weeks of plant emergence, this indicates that moringa leaf extract spray performed better for most of the investigated traits. We recommend further research to confirm these outcomes.

Cadmium, a hazardous heavy metal prevalent in plants and soil, poses a significant threat to human health, particularly as approximately 60% of the global population consumes wheat, which can accumulate high levels of Cd through its roots. This uptake leads to the translocation of Cd to the shoots and grains, exacerbating the potential health risks. However, promising results have been observed with the use of moringa leaf extract (MLE) foliar spray in mitigating the adverse effects of Cd stress. The current experiment was conducted to find out the Cd stress tolerance of wheat varieties V1 = Akbar-19 and V2 = Dilkash-2020 under exogenous spray of MLE. The treatments of this study were T0 = 0% MLE + 0 µM Cd, T1 = 3% MLE + 0 µM Cd, T2 = 0% MLE + 400 µM Cd, and T3 = 3% MLE + 400 µM Cd. Cd stress demonstrated a significant reduction in morphological attributes as shoot and root fresh weight (22%), shoot and root dry weight (24.5%), shoot and root length (22.5%), area of leaf and number of leaves 30.5%, and photosynthetic attributes (69.8%) in comparison with control. Exposure of wheat plants to Cd toxicity cause oxidative stress, increased H2O2, and MDA up to 75% while foliar application of MLE reduced the activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbic acid (AsA) increased up to 81.5% as well as organic osmolytes such as phenolics, total soluble proteins, and total soluble sugars were improved up to 77% by MLE applications under Cd stress. Higher accumulation of ionic contents root Na+ (22%) and Cd (44%) was documented in plants under Cd stress as compared to control, while uptake of root mineral ions Ca2+ and K+ was 35% more in MLE-treated plants. In crux, Cd toxicity significantly declined the growth, photosynthetic, and biochemical parameters while 3% MLE application was found effective in alleviating the Cd toxicity by improving growth and physiological parameters while declining reactive oxygen species and root Na+ as well as Cd uptake in wheat.

Foliar application of moringa leaf extract, potassium and zinc influence yield and fruit quality of ‘Kinnow’ mandarin

Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) leaf extract is a natural plant growth stimulant that is well-known for its ability to improve plant growth and development. A field study was conducted to evaluate the influence of MLE (Moringa Leaf Extract) on the growth, yield and nutritional improvement in two vegetable crops [Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and Indian Spinach (Basella alba)]. The extract was applied at two weeks interval with different frequencies. The crops were fertilized with chemical fertilizers and MLE application was done as per treatment @ 25 ml/plant. For each of the crops, this bio-stimulant had a significant boosting effect on growth, yield and nutrient uptake whereas the maximum frequency in the application i.e. T4 (foliar application of MLE at 2 weeks after transplanting and application at every 2 weeks thereafter) showed the highest influence. Indian Spinach responded proportionally more to foliar-applied MLE in terms of plant growth and nutrient uptake compared to tomato. The effect of MLE on the yield parameters was more pronounced in tomato that showed a 25% (averaged across all the growth parameters) increase over control, but Indian Spinach showed ~20% increase in yield parameters compared to control. Therefore, applying MLE to the foliage may assist in increasing the yield by improving plant growth across the different vegetable species (e.g., Tomato and Indian Spinach).

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is of prime importance because of vital source of protein as major food legume. Globally, it is cultivated on large area to meet dietary requirements of humans. Climatic extremes (erratic rainfall, extreme high and low temperature) are key restrains for its production. Optimum sowing time is considered as an important factor to address climatic variations and to attain maximum yield. Foliar application of potassium (K) has also been reported to increase resistance against abiotic stresses. Similarly, exogenous application of plant based growth substances (bio-stimulants) like moringa leaf extract (MLE) are extensively used to enhance productivity of field crops. Therefore, current study was planned to evaluate the impact of foliar applied K and MLE on growth, physiology and productivity of kabuli chickpea grown under varying sowing dates. There were two sowing dates (normal sown; November 15 and late sown; December 15, 2020). Experiment was comprised of treatments i.e. control, water spray, foliar application of K at 1%, foliar application of MLE at 3% and combined application of K and MLE. Foliar applied K and MLE significantly improved physiological, biochemical and yield attributes of kabuli chickpea cultivated under normal and late sown conditions. Increase in growth and yield attributes like plant height, number of nodules per plant, nodules dry weight, branches and pods per plant, 100- grain weight, biological and grain yield were recorded in case of combined foliar application of K and MLE in normal and late sown chickpea. Maximum improvement in gas exchange attributes (stomatal conductance and transpiration rate), chlorophyll contents, antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase) and osmolytes (proline) were recorded with combined application of K and MLE in both sowing dates. Thus, combined applied K and MLE can be used to enhance productivity of kabuli chickpea.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is of prime importance because of vital source of protein as major food legume. Globally, it is cultivated on large area to meet dietary requirements of humans. Climatic extremes (erratic rainfall, extreme high and low temperature) are key restrains for its production. Optimum sowing time is considered as an important factor to address climatic variations and to attain maximum yield. Foliar application of potassium (K) has also been reported to increase resistance against abiotic stresses. Similarly, exogenous application of plant based growth substances (bio-stimulants) like moringa leaf extract (MLE) are extensively used to enhance productivity of field crops. Therefore, current study was planned to evaluate the impact of foliar applied K and MLE on growth, physiology and productivity of kabuli chickpea grown under varying sowing dates. There were two sowing dates (normal sown; November 15 and late sown; December 15, 2020). Experiment was comprised of treatments i.e. control, water spray, foliar application of K at 1%, foliar application of MLE at 3% and combined application of K and MLE. Foliar applied K and MLE significantly improved physiological, biochemical and yield attributes of kabuli chickpea cultivated under normal and late sown conditions. Increase in growth and yield attributes like plant height, number of nodules per plant, nodules dry weight, branches and pods per plant, 100- grain weight, biological and grain yield were recorded in case of combined foliar application of K and MLE in normal and late sown chickpea. Maximum improvement in gas exchange attributes (stomatal conductance and transpiration rate), chlorophyll contents, antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase) and osmolytes (proline) were recorded with combined application of K and MLE in both sowing dates. Thus, combined applied K and MLE can be used to enhance productivity of kabuli chickpea.

Moringa is a valuable plant whose leaves are enriched with antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and mineral nutrients and can be used as a bio-stimulant. A field work was conducted at the Soil Science Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, during rabi season from November 2017 to February 2018 in order to investigate the effect of moringa leaf extract (MLE) on growth, yield and nutrient status of cabbage. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four treatments and three replications. The treatments were T1 (control), T2 (MLE) sprayed at 2 weeks after transplanting only], T3 (MLE sprayed at 2 weeks and 4 weeks after transplanting), T4(MLE sprayed at 2 weeks after transplanting and after every two weeks thereafter). The rate of MLE application was 25 mL plant-1. All the treatments received recommended dose of N, P, K, S, Zn and B fertilizers. The application of MLE significantly improved the growth parameters, yield and yield contributing characters as well as nutrient content and uptake of cabbage. Among the parameters plant height (33.40 cm), leaf number (19.33 cm), length of the largest leaf (29.00 cm), head thickness (9.67 cm), head diameter (20.33 cm), gross yield (72.83 t ha-1) and marketable yield (48.87 t ha-1), were maximum in T4 where MLE was sprayed at 2 weeks after transplanting and after every two weeks thereafter. The lowest values of all these parameters were found in T1 where no MLE was sprayed. Foliar application of MLE also improved the concentration and uptake of macronutrients (N, P, K and S) in head of cabbage. Thus, application of MLE as a bio-stimulant has the potentiality to enhance growth, yield and nutritional quality of cabbage. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2020, 6(2): 196-203

Application of natural and synthetic growth promoters improves the productivity and quality of quinoa crop through enhanced photosynthetic and antioxidant activities

A pot experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt to evaluate the growth and fruit yield responses of three tomato varieties to poultry manure (PM) and foliar application of moringa leaf extract (MLE). The PM was applied at 0 and 20 t/ha while the MLE was appliedat 0, 5, and 10 litre concentrations (MLE 5 and 10) separately and in all possible combinations in a completely randomized design in three replicates. The parameters measured were plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, percentage emergence, number of days to flowering, number of days to fruiting, number of flowers per plant, number of fruits and fresh fruit weight. The treatments differed significantly (P = 0.05) with the combinations of the treatments giving better performance. The combination of PM + MLE 5 gave the best growth performance however, the best yield performance was recorded on the PM + MLE 10. The application of PM + MLE 10 produced the highest number of fruits and fresh fruit weight. Among the two levels of MLE single and combined, MLE gave best growth performance while MLE 10 recorded the best yield. Plants treated with Moringa extract recorded zero pest infestation when compared to the control and PM treatments. Among the three varieties of tomato used, Jos recorded the best performance across all treatments singly or combined followed by RVF variety. Beef variety recorded the least performance. The significant effect of MLE in this study, suggests that MLE can be used as source of nutrients to grow tomato singly or combined with other nutrient sources.