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

Abstract

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).

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

“…Several studies explored the potential benefits of MLE on improving tomato productivity. This includes studies by Culver et al [44], Mvumi et al [80,90], Ngcobo and Bertling [47] and Hoque et al [81], which found that MLE significantly increased the plant height, leaf number, number of branches, above-ground dry biomass, dry root mass, fruit yield and quality of tomato. The extracts from fresh moringa leaves influenced tomato productivity by augmenting its leaf lamina thickness, stomatal density, stomatal size and fruit yield [80].…”

“…were considerably increased following foliar MLE application. According to Hoque et al [81], applying MLE can bring immense benefits to the crop produced. Application of aqueous MLE at 100 mL crude extract (100 mL distilled water/1000 g fresh leaves) diluted with 200 mL distilled water resulted in the highest germination percentage, seedling emergence, seedling survival, plant height, dry shoot mass, dry root mass and yield components in sunflower plants (Helianthus annuus L.) [46].…”

“…Indian spinach (Basella alba cv. Red Malabar) showed enhanced growth and a 20% increase in yield after the application of aqueous MLE (stock solution = 10 g fresh leaves with 1 mL distilled water) at 25 mL/plant [81].…”

Aklimatization Black Orchid Plantlets (Coelogyne pandurata Lindl.) with Biostimulant Moringa Leaf Extract (Moringa oleifera Lamk.)

“…Berdasarkan penelitan Kanchani, et al (2019) aplikasi ekstrak daun kelor 10% dengan aplikasi seminggu sekali meningkatkan tinggi tanaman, jumlah cabang, jumlah daun, indeks luas daun, berat kering daun, batang, akar, biomassa total, jumlah polong dan berat kering polong pada tanaman okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus). Hasil penelitian Hoque, et al (2022) pemberian ekstrak Moringa oleifera dapat meningkatkan pertumbuhan, hasil dan serapan hara pada tanaman tomat dan bayam india pada aplikasi ekstrak Moringa oleifera 2 minggu setelah tanam dan setiap 2 minggu sesudahnya. Hasil penelitian lain pada aplikasi ekstrak daun kelor pada 2 minggu setelah berkecambah dan setiap 2 minggu setelahnya dapat meningkatkan tinggi tanaman, jumlah daun, berat basah dan kering serta hasil panen tomat dan kembang kol (Rana, 2019) Penelitian penggunaan ekstrak daun kelor sebagai biostimulan untuk pertumbuhan planlet anggrek hitam tahap aklimatisasi belum pernah dilakukan.…”

Effect of Shade Regimes and Plant Extracts on the Vegetative Growth and Yield of the Natural Sweetener Plant Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni)

“…Modern agricultural sciences are moving towards the use of plant extracts because of their positive effect on vegetative growth characteristics. Plant extracts have been successfully used as organic fertilizers because they contain biologically active compounds that stimulate plant growth and improve nutritional status without harmful effects on many crops [9]. The use of various organic and natural growth stimulants is a suitable way to stimulate plant growth as well as to improve the growth and production of many crops, unlike synthetic stimulants that are more toxic, polluting to the environment and costly [10].…”