Application Of Moringa Leaf Extract Research Articles

Impact of Foliar-Applied Plant Extracts on Growth, Physiological and Yield Attributes of the Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

The current reliance on pesticides and synthetic fertilizers has been vital to sustain and increase agricultural production. The continuous, excessive use of these traditional practices has negatively affected consumer health and burdened the ecosystem. The use of plant extracts as a tool to minimize agrochemical inputs has been extensively investigated; these extracts have the ability to improve both plant growth and agricultural productivity. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of foliar plant extract application on potato growth, as well as on certain physiological and yield attributes. From four weeks after planting onwards, five healthy, equal-sized potato plants per treatment received various foliar plant extract applications. These extracts included brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE), aloe vera leaf extract (AVE), garlic bulb extract (GBE), and moringa leaf extract (MLE). The treatments were repeated weekly until harvesting. Application data regarding growth and physiological parameters were collected weekly. The pre-harvest foliar application of various plant extracts significantly enhanced (p ≤ 0.05) the plant growth, physiological, and yield attributes of potatoes. The best growth and yield responses were observed following ANE and MLE application. Plant extracts have shown beneficial effects on other crops as well, but further validation of these effects is still necessary in order to popularize and commercialize such applications.

Moringa leaf extract increases tolerance to salt stress, promotes growth, increases yield, and reduces nitrate concentration in lettuce plants

The use of large amounts of synthetic chemicals in plant cultivation harms the environment and reduces food quality. Therefore, natural alternatives should be used to protect the environment, increase food quality, and decrease food contamination. This study investigated the effect of moringa leaf extract (MLE) as a plant stimulator to enhance growth, yield, and quality of lettuce grown in a saline environment. To examine the effect of application method and extract concentration, this experiment included three levels of seed priming (0, 5 %, and 10 % MLE) and three levels of foliar spray (0, 5 %, and 10 % MLE). MLE application, either by seed priming or foliar spraying, reduced the adverse effects of salt stress and increased lettuce growth, yield, and quality. However, the combined treatment of 5 % seed soaking and 10 % foliar spray showed the best results in increasing antioxidant levels (catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and ascorbic acid), relative water content (RWC %), nutrient concentration (N, P, and K), and chlorophyll content, and maintaining membrane integrity by reducing electrolyte leakage (EL %) and sodium accumulation, leading to improved yield parameters (head diameter, head weight, and total yield), and increasing lettuce head quality by reducing nitrate concentration. The results suggest that MLE (5 % seed soaking and 10 % foliar spray) is a practical, effective, and inexpensive approach to alleviate salt stress and improve lettuce yield and quality under saline conditions. However, despite the observed positive effects, further studies are needed to understand the factors determining the response of plants to MLE application.

Moringa oleifera: A Boon to Agriculture

Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.), also known as the horseradish tree, drumstick, or sajna, is a multipurpose tree that is found around the world in tropical and subtropical climate zones. Having various medicinal and nutrition properties, it is also known as miracle tree. This review study was done for easy access and dissemination of scientifically proven and culturally practiced uses of moringa tree to the agricultural group of Nepal. Different information and data used in this paper were taken from the multiple journals found in online platform. The leaves of the moringa tree are particularly beneficial since they are rich in protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin C, while the bark aids in the absorption of heavy metals. The moringa plant’s leaf extracts have a number of beneficial effects, including anticancer, antibacterial, and antifungal characteristics. Making fermented plant juice from leaves and seeds can be used as organic fertilizer in agriculture. Application of moringa leaf extract throughout the booting, milking and heading stages significantly reduces wheat aphid populations. To control pests in stored grain, extracts from different moringa tree parts are employed. Moringa oleifera seed methanolic extract can be used to control Callosobruchus maculatus and Sitophilus oryzae on their respective grains. Application of the growth hormone present in moringa leaf extract is said to boost crop output by 45%. Due to its good green manure and fencing capacity, moringa plays crucial function in agroforestry system. Therefore, moringa is a multipurpose tree because of its benefits to agriculture, environment and human health.

Exogenous Application of Moringa Leaf Extract Confers Salinity Tolerance in Sunflower by Concerted Regulation of Antioxidants and Secondary Metabolites

Exogenous Application of Moringa Leaf Extract Confers Salinity Tolerance in Sunflower by Concerted Regulation of Antioxidants and Secondary Metabolites

Assessment of Biostimulant Derived from Moringa Leaf Extract on Growth, Physiology, Yield, and Quality of Green Chili Pepper

With the rapid growth in global population and standards of living, improving food production and quality are the greatest challenges in agriculture. The application of biostimulant derived from moringa leaf extract (MLE) has attracted a great deal of interest to support these efforts in a sustainable approach. A field study was conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replications. The effect of individual and combined application of MLE through seed priming (seed soaking) and foliar spray at different rates (1:30, 1:20, and 1:10, v/v) on growth, physiological, yield, and quality traits of green chili pepper were investigated, which was the aim of this study. In general, the responses generated by the combined MLE methods were more pronounced compared to their single applications. Among all treatments, MLE priming plus foliar spray at 1:30 was effective in improving most traits observed, including chlorophyll fluorescence (6.49%), stomatal conductance (57.19%), plant height (30.57%), leaf number (88.89%), leaf area index (116.67%), fruit weight per plant (46.27%), average fruit weight (39.62%), length (9.89%), diameter (29.65%), firmness (27.77%), and vitamin C content (29.07%) of fruit. Therefore, it is regarded as an appropriate treatment to maximize the potential use of MLE in green chili.

Foliar application of moringa leaf extract (MLE) enhanced antioxidant system, growth, and biomass related attributes in safflower plants

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.

Assessing the Usefulness of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract as a Biostimulant to Supplement Synthetic Fertilizers: A Review.

The extensive use of synthetic chemical fertilizers is associated with environmental pollution and soil degradation. In addition, the high costs of these fertilizers necessitate the search for alternative, eco-friendly and safe natural sources of phytonutrients. The liquid extracted from moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaves has been used in agriculture to improve the growth and productivity of several crops. The efficacy of moringa leaf extract (MLE) is attributed to its high content of mineral nutrients, protein, vitamins, sugars, fiber, phenolics and free proline. In addition, MLE contains significant amounts of phytohormones, such as auxins, cytokinins and gibberellins. Furthermore, MLE is a valuable product promoting seed germination, plant growth and deeper root development, delaying fruit senescence and increasing the yield and quality of crops grown under normal or stressful conditions. Here, we review the research on MLE as a biostimulant to enhance crop growth and productivity. Moreover, we emphasize its possible introduction to smallholder farming systems to provide phytonutrients, and we further highlight research gaps in the existing knowledge regarding MLE application. Generally, MLE is an inexpensive, sustainable, eco-friendly and natural biostimulant that can be used to improve the growth and productivity attributes of various crops under non-stressful and stressful conditions.

Retraction: Exogenous application of moringa leaf extract improves growth, biochemical attributes, and productivity of late-sown quinoa

Retraction: Exogenous application of moringa leaf extract improves growth, biochemical attributes, and productivity of late-sown quinoa

Exploring the Potential of Moringa Leaf Extract for Mitigation of Cadmium Stress in Triticum aestivum L.

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic metals accumulated in wheat grains. Daily intake of Cd through food is posing serious health problems. There is an urgent need to reduce the uptake and accumulation of Cd in wheat and other cereal crops. In this study, we investigated the potential of moringa leaf extract (MLE) in decreasing the Cd toxic effects in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. A.S. 2002. Sowing was carried out in pots under shade and natural light conditions. Two Cd concentrations (500 µM and 1000 µM) were applied with and without MLE (0 and 3%). Results revealed that plant growth parameters viz diameter of stem, number of leaves, leaf area, photosynthetic pigments were improved with MLE application under Cd stress. Moreover, biochemical attributes and osmolytes such as total soluble sugars, and soluble proteins, phenolic content and flavonoids were negatively effected by Cd stress and were improved under MLE treatment. Moreover, Cd stress enhanced phytotoxicity as higher ROS accumulation is observed under both stress conditions, whereas after MLE application MDA and H2O2 accumulation was significantly decreased. Based on current observations, MLE was effective in mitigating the biological and toxic effects of Cd by promoting the growth attributes and mineral contents in wheat. Further experiments are needed for discovering the molecular mechanisms underlying MLE and host plant interactions involved in Cd stress mitigation.

English

Salinity is major abiotic stress limiting plant growth worldwide. Plant adaptation to salinity stress involves diverse physiological and metabolic pathways. In this study, we assessed the effects of foliar application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and Moringa leaf extract (MLE) on salt tolerance in faba beans (cultivar, Sakha 4). Morphological, chemical, and biochemical parameters of plants grown under saline condition (50 and 100 mM NaCl) were assessed 60 days after sowing. Salt stress caused a remarkable reduction in growth traits, photosynthetic pigments, proline, minerals, total phenol, and enzyme activity of the faba bean variety. The results showed that foliar spraying of MLE and ZnONPs on faba bean grown under salt-stressed conditions promoted growth parameters (that is, shoot length, numbers of leaves, relative water content, shoot, roots fresh and dry weights), photosynthetic pigments (that is, chl a, b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids), proline, mineral elements (Na+, K+, Ca+2, and Zn+2), total phenol and enzyme activity (POX, PPO, APX, and CAT) compared to control plants. Based on these findings, the potential of foliar spraying application of MLE and ZnONPs may help alleviate the negative effect of salinity on growth, photosynthesis efficiency, and biochemical properties of faba bean.   Key words: Faba bean, Moringa oleifera, antioxidant enzyme activity, ZnO nanoparticles, salt stress, proline.

Effect of foliar application of moringa leaf extract on growth and fruit yield of Capsicum annuum L. (chilli) cv. MIPC-1

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.

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

Modern agriculture is primarily concerned with enhanced productivity of field crops linked with maximum resources use efficiency to feed the increasing population of the world. Exogenous application of biostimulants is considered a sustainable and ecofriendly approach to improve the growth and productivity of agronomic and horticultural field crops. The present study was carried out to explore the comparative growth enhancing potential of plant biostimulants (moringa leaf extract at 3% and sorghum water extract at 3%) and synthetic growth promoters (ascorbic acid at 500 μM and hydrogen peroxide at 100 μM) on growth, productivity and quality of quinoa crop (cultivar UAF-Q7) because it has gained significant popularity among agricultural scientists and farmers throughout the world due to its high nutritional profile. A field experiment was carried out at the Research Area of Directorate of Farms, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan during quinoa cultivation season of 2016–2017 and repeated during next year (2017–2018). All the foliar treatments enhanced the physiological, biochemical, quality, growth and yield attributes of quinoa as compared to control group. However, maximum improvement was observed in chlorophyll a and b contents, photosynthesis and respiration rates, and water use efficiency by moringa leaf extract (MLE) application. MLE application was also found more responsive regarding the improvement in activities of peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, phenolics and glycine betaine as compared to other treatments. Mineral elements i.e. K, Ca and N in root as well as in shoot were found the highest in response to MLE application. Similarly, growth (plant fresh and dry biomass, plant length and grain yield) and grain quality parameters (protein, K and Ca) were also significantly enhanced. Application of MLE was found to be a viable approach to improve the growth and quality of produce as compared to synthetic compounds.

The Impact of Bio-Stimulants on Cd-Stressed Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): Insights Into Growth, Chlorophyll Fluorescence, Cd Accumulation, and Osmolyte Regulation.

It has been established that wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has a higher Cd absorption capacity than other cereal crops causing an excess daily Cd intake and a huge threat for public health. Therefore, the reduction of Cd accumulation in wheat from the soil is a crucial food-security issue. A pot trial was performed on Cd-stressed wheat seedlings to evaluate the morphological and physio-biochemical responses via foliage spray of two different bio-stimulants, i.e., ascorbic acid (AsA) and moringa leaf extract (MLE). Two wheat cultivars (Fsd-08 and Glxy-13) were exposed to cadmium (CdCl2.5H2O) stress (0, 500, and 1,000 μM), along with foliar spray of AsA (0 and 50 mM) and MLE (0 and 3%). The most observable growth reduction was documented in plants that are exposed to a higher Cd concentration (1,000 μM), followed by the lower Cd level (500 μM). The wheat growth attributes, such as number of leaves per plant, number of tillers per plant, biomass yield, shoot/root length, and leaf area, were greatly depressed under the Cd stress, irrespective of the cultivar. Under the increasing Cd stress, a significant diminution was observed in maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), photochemical quenching (qP), and electron transport rate (ETR) accompanied with reduced gas exchange attributes. However, Cd-induced phytotoxicity enhanced the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and internal carbon dioxide concentration (Ci), which was confirmed by their significant positive correlation with Cd contents in shoot and root tissues of both cultivars. The contents of proline, AsA, glycine betaine (GB), tocopherol, total free amino acid (TFAA), and total soluble sugar (TSS) were greatly decreased with Cd stress (1,000 μM), while MLE and AsA significantly enhanced the osmolytes accumulation under both Cd levels (especially 500 μM level). The Cd accumulation was predominantly found in the root as compared to shoots in both cultivars, which has declined after the application of MLE and AsA. Conclusively, MLE was found to be more effective to mitigate Cd-induced phytotoxicity up to 500 μM Cd concentration, compared with the AsA amendment.

Foliar application of potassium and moringa leaf extract improves growth, physiology and productivity of kabuli chickpea grown under varying sowing regimes.

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.

Application of Moringa Leaf Extract as a Seed Priming Agent Enhances Growth and Physiological Attributes of Rice Seedlings Cultivated under Water Deficit Regime.

Population growth, food shortages, climate change and water scarcity are some of the frightening challenges being confronted in today’s world. Water deficit or drought stress has been considered a severe limitation for the productivity of rice, a widely popular nutritive cereal crop and the staple food of a large portion of the population. A key stage in crop growth is seed emergence, which is mostly constrained by abiotic elements such as high temperatures, soil crusting and low water potential, which are responsible for poor stand establishment. Seed priming is a pre-sowing treatment of seeds that primes them to a physiological state that allows them to emerge more proficiently. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of leaf extracts from local and exotic moringa landraces as seed priming agents in rice cultivated under water deficit (75% field capacity) and control conditions (100% field capacity). Rice seeds were placed in an aerated solution of moringa leaf extract (MLE) at 3% from three obtained landraces (Faisalabad, Multan and an exotic landrace of India). The results obtained from the experimentation show that the water deficit regime adversely affected the studied indicators including emergence and growth attributes as well as physiological parameters. Among the priming agents, MLE from the Faisalabad landrace significantly improved the speed and spread of emergence of rice seedlings (time to start emergence at 23%, emergence index at 75%, mean emergence time at 3.58% and final emergence percentage at 46%). All the priming agents enhanced the growth, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange parameters and antioxidant activities, particularly under the water deficit regime, but the maximum improvement was recorded by the MLE from the Faisalabad landrace. Therefore, the MLE of the Faisalabad landrace can be productively used to boost the seedling establishment and growth of rice grown under normal and water deficit conditions.

Micronutrient and redox homeostasis contribute to Moringa oleifera-regulated drought tolerance in wheat

Global food security is being severely affected by the rapid increase in population and drastic climate change. Drought stress is the most important limiting factor for the sustainable production of several important crops, including wheat. The gradual temperature rise and reduced precipitations are likely to cause the frequent onset of droughts around the world. Therefore, alleviation of drought stress in crop plants has become an essential requirement to meet the increasing food demand. The present study explored the role of foliar application of Moringa leaf extract (MLE) in conferring drought tolerance in wheat during the anthesis stage. A wheat genotype of Indo-Gangetic Plains (HI1544) was exposed to drought stress during the anthesis of the spikes and simultaneously foliar sprayed with MLE for 10 days. The results showed the MLE treatment to improve the concentrations of macro- (K, Ca) and micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Si) in flag-leaves of wheat under non-stressed conditions. Application of MLE also maintained the flag-leaf nutritional contents under drought stress. The micro-nutrients, including Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn being the co-factors of the enzymes also stimulated the antioxidant enzyme activities; eventually leading to a significant reduction in the reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde accumulations under drought stress. Furthermore, micronutrients played a crucial role in osmotic adjustment and sustainable plant growth under drought stress. Overall, the study provided insights into the functional role of micronutrients in improving drought tolerance and also indicated the potential to commercialize MLE as an effective bio-stimulant for sustainable agriculture in drought-prone regions.

Crop Improvement and Abiotic Stress Tolerance Promoted by Moringa Leaf Extract

Moringa leaf extract (MLE) has been shown to promote beneficial outcomes in animals and plants. It is rich in amino acids, antioxidants, phytohormones, minerals, and many other bioactive compounds with nutritional and growth-promoting potential. Recent reports indicated that MLE improved abiotic stress tolerance in plants. Our understanding of the mechanisms underlying MLE-mediated abiotic stress tolerance remains limited. This review summarizes the existing literature on the role of MLE in promoting plant abiotic stress acclimation processes. MLE is applied to plants in a variety of ways, including foliar spray, rooting media, and seed priming. Exogenous application of MLE promoted crop plant growth, photosynthesis, and yield under both nonstress and abiotic stress conditions. MLE treatment reduced the severity of osmotic and oxidative stress in plants by regulating osmolyte accumulation, antioxidant synthesis, and secondary metabolites. MLE also improves mineral homeostasis in the presence of abiotic stress. Overall, this review describes the potential mechanisms underpinning MLE-mediated stress tolerance.

Application of moringa leaf extract improves growth and yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and Indian Spinach (Basella alba)

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).

Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract Enhanced Growth, Yield, and Silybin Content While Mitigating Salt-Induced Adverse Effects on the Growth of Silybum marianum

Silybin A and B are two major hepatoprotective flavonolignans produced predominantly in Silybum marianum fruits. Similar to other plant secondary metabolites, silybin production is enhanced by biotic or abiotic stresses under the expanse of plant growth and yield. In this study, a novel strategy for enhancing silybin production was investigated by applying a natural plant growth enhancer, moringa leaf extract (MLE), to the S. marianum plants cultivated under salinity abiotic stress. The experiment was conducted using a split-plot design with salinity as the main factor and MLE concentrations as the sub-factor. The individual and combined effects of salinity and MLE on the growth, yield, and silybin content of S. marianum were recorded. The MLE at concentrations of 5 g/L or 10 g/L was applied as foliar spray to S. marianum plants, which were irrigated with either tap water or saline (2000 ppm or 4000 ppm). Our results revealed that 10 g/L MLE effectively enhances the growth, yield, and silybin (A + B) content in S. marianum plants not exposed to salinity stress. On the other hand, for plants that were exposed to 4000 ppm salinity, the application of MLE was able to alleviate the salinity-induced adverse effects on some of the plant growth parameters but did not significantly increase their silybin (A + B) compositions. The current study also indicated that the increase in silybin contents was accompanied by the upregulation of the chalcone synthase 1 and 3 genes, which have been implicated in the synthesis of silybin.

Exploring the potential of moringa leaf extract as bio stimulant for improving yield and quality of black cumin oil

The history of plants to be utilized as medicines is thousands of years old. Black cumin is one of the most widely examined plant possessing naturally occurring compounds with antimicrobial potential. Foliar application of growth stimulators is a successful strategy to enhance yield and quality in many crops. A field study was planned to apply growth stimulator like moringa leaf extract on black cumin crop grown under field conditions using RCB design with three replications. All other agronomic inputs and practices were uniform. The treatments were moringa leaf extract concentrations (10%, 20%), growth stages (40 days after sowing, 80 DAS, 120 DAS, 40 + 80 DAS, 40 + 120 DAS, 80 + 120 DAS, 40 + 80 + 120 days after sowing) and two controls unsprayed check (i.e. no moringa leaf extract, no water) and sprayed check (no moringa leaf extract + water). Application of 20% moringa leaf extract at stage-7 (40 + 80 + 120 days after sowing) had significantly increased plant height, branches plant−1, essential oil content, fixed oil content, peroxidase value and iodine value of black cumin oil over unsprayed control. Application of moringa leaf extract showed maximum results and improves growth and yield of black cumin when applied at 40 + 80 + 120 days after sowing. As this study was only conducted using moringa leaf extract, it is advisable to conduct an experiment with various bio stimulants along with fertilizer combinations and growth regulators to check their synergistic effects for more reliable and acceptable recommendations in future.