Abstract:
The extensive use of synthetic chemicals in crop cultivation poses environmental risks and deteriorates food quality. Consequently, natural alternatives are recommended to safeguard the environment, enhance food nutritional value, and reduce contamination. Moringa oleifera is cultivated for its leaves and seeds, which serve as fresh vegetables, green manure, plant bio stimulants, and natural pesticides. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of moringa leaf extract (MLE) as a plant growth enhancer on the development and quality of spinach grown in pot culture during 2023. To assess the effects of application methods and extract concentration, two levels of seed priming (4%and 8% MLE) and two levels of foliar spraying (4% and 8% MLE) were tested, including their combinations and a control group. The pot experiment was designed as a completely randomized design with three replications pretreatment. Data was collected on various growth metrics (such as shoot and root lengths, fresh and dry weights, and root-to-shoot ratios), physiological responses(including relative water content, membrane stability index, chlorophyll levels, photosynthetic and transpiration rates, and stomatal conductance), biochemical functions (i.e., soluble carbohydrates, total and crude protein, fats, organic acids, antioxidant enzymes such as ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, dehydro ascorbate reductase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, along with non-enzymatic molecules like ascorbate, glutathione, and phenolics),and ionic/nutrient concentrations (sodium, chloride, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). All data were statistically analyzed using Analysis of Variance with Statistix 10 software, and treatment differences were compared using the least significant difference test at a 0.05 probability level. The results revealed that combined treatment of seed priming and foliar spraying at 8% MLE proved most effective for enhancing spinach growth and physiological performance. The findings provide valuable insight into the most effective bio-stimulant and application method for improving spinach growth and quality, benefiting organic kitchen gardening and sustainable agriculture practices.
Page(s):
139-139
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: 1st International Conference on "Recent Advances in Green Biotechnology and Climate Resilience", September 15-16, 2025, Volume: 1, Issue: 1, Year: 2025
Keywords:
Growth
,
Foliar application
,
seed priming
,
Spinach
,
Moringa Leaf Extract