Effect of different methods of establishment on growth and biomass yield of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam)
2015
E12200
Files
Details
Title
Effect of different methods of establishment on growth and biomass yield of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam)
Publication Date
2015
Call Number
E12200
Summary
Moringa oleifera is nature’s most nutritious vegetable tree with high medicinal value. Despite this, little has been done on the agronomic requirements for the production of the crop. In this study, effects of different methods of establishment on growth and biomass yield of moringa were assessed. The methods of establishment used are direct seed planting, stem cutting and seedling transplanting. Seven establishment treatments arranged in complete randomized block design. They are 20, 30 and 40 cm stem cuttings; seedling transplant at 2, 4, and 6 week old seedlings and direct seed planting replicated three times to give a total of 21 treatment plots. The seedlings were allowed to grow for a period of three months. Data were collected on seedling vigour and survival, stem length, stem girth, number of leaves and fresh and dry biomass yield of stem and leaf. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and mean separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% probability level. The results showed that methods of establishment have significant effects on all the measured parameters. Seedling transplant at four WAP showed superiority in all the parameters taken. The treatment 20 cm and 30 cm moringa stem cutting did not sprout at all while 40 cm stem cutting had 20% sprouting. The 40 cm stem cutting had more branches but performed poorly with regards to all the growth parameters taken. The direct seed planting and 4 week old seedling transplant had the highest biomass yield. Transplanting of seedling at 4 week old could be recommended for optimum biomass yield of moringa.
Journal Citation
8(4):650-653, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND CROP SCIENCES
Contact Information
harvest@worldveg.org
Record Appears in
Research > Published Articles