Abstract:
Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam) leaf extract (MLE) enhances the germination percentage and seedling
growth of cauliflower through its rich nutrient profile, essential compounds like vitamins, minerals, and
amino acids. The study explores the potential of MLE as a novel agent for seed priming as well as growth
promotion in cauliflower cultivation. This study provides insights into sustainable agricultural practices by
using MLE for improving crop productivity. Experiment was conducted in controlled laboratory condition.
Four treatments (T
0
: Tap water as control, T
1
: MLE prepared from 10 minutes boiling, T
: MLE prepared
from 20 minutes boiling, and T
: Fresh MLE) were used in this experiment by following Completely
Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. In second stage of screening, the best selected treatment
in the first stage of screening (T
1
3
) was further evaluated (M
0
: control, M
1
, M
2
, M
) on growth promotion of
cauliflower plant. Application of MLE prepared from 10 minutes boiling (T
3
treatment) showed the
significantly highest germination percentage (100%), and mean daily germination (97.5%). Besides,
treatment T
1
produced larger root (1.8 cm), accumulated higher fresh (0.244 g) and dry weight (0.043 g) of
cauliflower seedlings compared to other treatments. In pot study, treatment M
3
(15 ml water:1 ml MLE−T
produced the highest plant height (30.9 cm), leaf number (15.0), leaf width (11.1cm), petiole length (8.7
cm) and dry weight (9.7 g) at harvest. Thus, MLE creates a conducive environment for optimal cauliflower
seed germination and robust early seedling growth.
1
)
