Greener Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Greener Journal of  Agricultural Sciences Vol. 3 (1), pp.055-062, January 2013

 ISSN: 2276-7770 

Research Paper

Manuscript Number:111512264

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15580/GJAS.2013.1.111512264

 

Effect of Moringa Extract on Growth and Yield of Maize and Common Beans

    

^1*Culver Mvumi, ²Fanuel Tagwira and ³Albert Zvenhamo Chiteka

 

Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Africa University, P. O. Box 1320, Mutare, Zimbabwe.

 

*Corresponding Author’s Email: culmvi @ yahoo.com

Abstract:

An evaluation on the potential benefit of using Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a growth hormone on common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and maize (Zea mays) was done. Trials were carried out in the greenhouse and field. In the greenhouse, five treatments were used: control (M0, only water applied), second control (ME, only ethanol applied), moringa extract (in 80% ethanol) applied (on leaves) 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 from two weeks from germination (M3). The same treatments were adopted in the field except ME, which was considered unnecessary after observing the results of the greenhouse experiment. Results showed that moringa extract increased growth and yield of beans in both greenhouse and field, and of maize in the field. However, the extract showed no significant effect on DM yield, root DM or plant height of maize in the greenhouse. The highest DM and root weight, height and crop yields in greenhouse and field experiments for beans, and for maize in the field only, were obtained at M3. The study recommends the application of extract at M3.
 
Key words: Moringa oleifera leaf extract, growth hormone, maize, common beans.

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