Effect of Moringa Extract on Growth and Yield of Tomato

Abstract

Trials were carried out to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a growth hormone on growth and yield of tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum L var. Rodade). In the greenhouse, five treatments were used: the control, where only water was added (M0), second control where ethanol 80 % was added (ME), moringa extract applied once at 2 weeks from emergence (M1), moringa extract applied at 2 and 4 weeks from emergence (M2), and moringa extract applied every 2 weeks to maturity,starting from two weeks from germination (M3).The same treatments were adopted in the field except the ME which was considered unnecessary after observing the results of the greenhouse experiment. Results showed that moringa extract increased growth and yield of tomato in both greenhouse and field. Moringa extract significantly increased above ground dry matter yield (DM), root dry matter weight and plant height for the crop. Yields obtained at MI, M2 and M3 were increasing in ascending order from M1. The study recommends the application of extract at M3.