Effect of Moringa Leaf Extract on the Performance of Lettuce Cultivars

Abstract

Lettuce is an important crop that is grown commercially for salad purposes. To increase production of lettuce, synthetic fertilizers are applied. However, an excess of synthetic fertilizers is hazardous for the human body and also affects soil and environmental conditions. Alternative methods are available to enhance the production of lettuce, e.g., application of moringa leaf extract (MLE), which is also environmentally friendly. As MLE is a plant-based organic product, there are no side effects. The research was conducted at the Ornamental Nursery, Department of Horticulture, University of Agriculture Peshawar, during the 2020–21 season. The study was laid out in two-factor randomized complete block design in a split-plot arrangement with three replications. The two factors were MLE concentration (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8% v/v) and five lettuce cultivars (Red Laurel, Red Oakleaf, Milky White, Romaine, and Large Speed). Lettuce cultivars were sprayed with the required MLE concentrations at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after transplantation, while an extra application of MLE was given before bolting to the plants left for seed production. It was observed that lettuce cv. Red Laurel produced maximum fresh and dry head weight. Maximum plant height was recorded for cv. Red Oakleaf. Maximum leaves, head diameter, head height, root length, seed yield, and leaf area were noted in cv. Milky White. Cultivar Romaine took the maximum number of days to flowering and seed production. It also provided maximum chlorophyll content and the best taste. Moreover, MLE also had substantial effects on the growth and yield of lettuce cultivars. Here, maximum plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, head diameter, days to flowering, root length, head height, seed yield, days to seed production, chlorophyll content, and fresh and dry head weights were produced by plants sprayed with 8% (v/v) MLE. It is concluded that MLE, a useful growth promoter, has a considerable effect on the growth and development of lettuce cultivars and is thus recommended for organic production of the crop.

Response of Yield, Quality, and Bioactive Constituents of Green Onion to Foliar Spraying with Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract and Yeast Extract

“…The quality parameters, including TSS, pyruvic acid, and nitrate, exhibited improvements in green onion treated with MLE and YE compared to those received R-NPK (Table 3). Farooq et al (2023) also noted an enhancement in the quality traits of lettuce cultivars when treated with MLE (2-8%). It was reported that foliar spray of MLE enhanced the formation of phytohormones and increased yield components as well as quality attributes such as ascorbic acid, total soluble sugars, and TSS content in various crops (Latif and Mohamed, 2016;Nasir et al, 2016;Sardar et al, 2021;Toscano et al, 2021).…”

“…Biostimulants have attained considerable interest in recent years as a natural resource innovation aimed at enhancing the productivity and quality of valuable commodities through sustainable and organic farming practices (Farooq et al, 2023;Mehdawe et al, 2023;Yuniati et al, 2023).…”

Growth, productivity and phytochemicals of Coriander in responses to foliar application of Acacia saligna fruit extract as a biostimulant under field conditions

“…In the present investigation, different concentrations of A. saligna FAE had a significant impact on biochemical compounds (antioxidant, flavonoid, total phenolic, and carbohydrates) and total soluble content. In this sense, using biostimulants raised the biochemical components of a variety of leafy vegetables while improving their quality 39 , 96 , 97 .…”

Nutritional value and therapeutic potential of Moringa oleifera : a short overview of current research

“…Processed meals made from Moringa or moringa leaf powder may be a good source of vitamins. One of the most important elements Moringa supplies for physiological growth and development is calcium, and dried Moringa powder is a fantastic supply of this mineral (Farooq et al, 2023).…”