Title : Moringa oleifera L. aqueous phyto solution on germination and growth indices of cereal
Abstract:
Ever rising human population has made the food security, a challenge for Agri-Scientist, breeders, and farming community. Allelopathy has emerged as a pragmatic approach to solve multiple issues in modern agriculture by acting as organic Plant growth regulator, Phytohormone and Phytonutrients in ecological sustainable system. Allelochemicals released from one plant material in plant rhizosphere improve nutrient acquisition through the process of solubilization, biological nitrification, inhibition, chelation, and selected retention. Allelochemicals promote growth at low concentration; but suppresses the growth if applied at high concentration. Keeping in view the above fact an investigation was carried out to elucidate the allelopathic effect of aqueous extract (20% w/v) of Moringa olifera L. leaves on germination and growth indices of different cereal crops including wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), maize (Zea mays L.), barley (Hordeum vulgaris L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) and millet (Pennisetum americanum L.). A control treatment was also included for the comparison. The data recorded on different agronomic and physiological parameters including germination percentage, days taken to germination, seedlings length, shoot length, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight. The results showed that the aqueous extract of M. Oleifera L. differently affected all the parameters studied in cereals as compared to control. However, some crops showed positive effect towards M. oleifera extract application. The germination percentage and fresh weight of barley was not affected by the application of aqueous extract of M. Oleifera L. Likewise, the days to germination of sorghum showed no inhibitory effect. Moreover, the shoot length of wheat followed by barley showed significance increase by the application of aqueous extract of M. Olifera L. similar trend of positivity found in maize, wheat and barley by increment in their fresh and dry weight (g). It is concluded from our study that aqueous extract of M. Oleifera disturbed the germination process in some cereals but applying in later stage i.e, 15 days after emergence it promote the growth and physiology. It may be used as Plant growth regulator in ecological sustainable agriculture in future by reducing synthetic PGR application.
Keywords: Allelopathy, PGR, Sustainable Agriculture, Moringa, Cereals.
