EFFECT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA EXTRACT ON THE GROWTH OF MILLET

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EFFECT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA EXTRACT ON THE GROWTH OF MILLET

ABSTRACT

Moringa oleifera, commonly known as the drumstick tree, has gained recognition for its diverse nutritional and medicinal properties. This study investigates the impact of Moringa oleifera extract on the growth of millet (Pennisetum glaucum), a staple cereal crop with high importance in many regions. The research aims to explore the potential of Moringa oleifera as a bio-stimulant for enhancing millet growth, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

The experimental design involves the application of Moringa oleifera leaf extract to millet plants at different growth stages. The extract, rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, serves as a natural fertilizer. Key parameters such as plant height, leaf area, root development, and grain yield are measured and compared between the treated and untreated millet groups.

Results from the study are expected to provide insights into the bio-stimulant effects of Moringa oleifera on millet growth, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to agricultural enhancement. Additionally, the research may shed light on the potential nutritional benefits transferred to millet grains, addressing food security concerns in regions where millet is a dietary staple.

This investigation contributes to the broader understanding of plant-microbe interactions and sustainable agricultural practices, positioning Moringa oleifera as a potential natural resource for improving millet production and nutritional quality. The findings have implications for farmers, researchers, and policymakers seeking innovative and environmentally friendly approaches to enhance crop yield and food security.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) stands as a crucial cereal crop globally, particularly in regions with arid climates where its hardiness and adaptability play a vital role in food security. The pursuit of sustainable agricultural practices has prompted researchers to explore natural alternatives to traditional fertilizers for enhancing crop growth and yield. Moringa oleifera, often referred to as the drumstick tree, is renowned for its rich nutrient profile and various medicinal properties. This study delves into the potential of Moringa oleifera extract as a bio-stimulant for improving the growth and yield of millet.

Biostimulants are the substances that promote plant growth when applied in micro quantities. They also help plants to withstand harsh environments. In recent years, a growing interest has been observed with natural biostimulating substances. The influence of humic-like substances was studied on hydroponically cultured various crop plants viz. cucumber, maize, pelargonium, and wheat. Treated plants presented a faster development and reached reproductive stage three to five days earlier than control. They also provoked a better efficiency of plant water uptake and improved the mineral nutrition (Morard et al.,2011).

Bajra is a cereal crop grown in tropical semi-arid regions of the world. It is well adapted to production systems characterized by low rainfall (200-600 mm), low soil fertility and high temperature, and thus can be grown in areas where other cereal crops, such as wheat or maize, would not survive. In its traditional growing areas, pearl millet is the basic staple for households in the poorest countries and among the poorest people. It is also one of the most drought resistant crops among cereals and millets. Pearl millet is generally used as a temporary summer pasture crop or in some areas as a food crop. Pearl millet is one of the four most important cereals (rice, maize, sorghum and millets) grown in the tropics and is rich in iron, zinc and antioxidants. These nutrients along with the antioxidants may be beneficial for the overall health of people. Poor seed germination and seedling establishment adversely affect the growth and development of plants and results into low yields of crops. The success of seedling growth depends on the formation of roots and shoots. Shilajeet is an exudate that is pressed out from layers of rock in the most sacred and highest mountains in Nepal, India and other areas. It is composed of humus, fulvic acid and organic plant material that has been compressed by layers of rock. Humic acid has been isolated and characterized by Agrawal et al. (2010). Shilajeet is known to boost the immune system in human beings (Bizanov et al.,2012 and Ghosal et al.,1989).

Presoaked wheat seeds with Shilajeet resulted in the increase of seed germination and seedling growth (Shrotri et al.,2012). Leaf juice of fenugreek and Luceme along with potassium humate treated seeds showed significant increase on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat and jowar (Patil,2010). Moringa leaf extract was sprayed on to leaves of onions, bell pepper, soya beans, sorghum, coffee, tea, chili, melon and maize and was shown to increase yields of these crops (Fuglie,2000). Moringa leaves are rich in zeatin, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, phenolic compounds and minerals (Makkar & Becker,1996 and Nagar et al.,2006), the leaf extract has the potential to promote plant growth; hence, it can be used as a natural biostimulant. Seeds priming with diluted leaf extract has been reported to improve germination and seedling growth in sunflower (Basra et al.,2009). Enhanced growth and yield of tomato due to the application of Moringa leaf extract has been reported recently (Culver et al.,2012). The inhibitory effect of Moringa leaf extract in rice seed germination and stimulatory effect in maize, wheat and sorghum seed germination has been reported (Phiri,2010).

However, there is very little work on the effect of shilajeet and Moringa leaf juice as phytohormone on plant metabolism. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to see the biostimulatory action of shilajeet and Moringa leaf juice on Bajra seed germination.

1.2 Statement of the problem

As global populations continue to rise, the demand for staple crops like millet intensifies. Conventional farming practices often rely on synthetic fertilizers, posing environmental concerns and contributing to soil degradation. Exploring natural alternatives, such as plant extracts with potential bio-stimulant properties, becomes imperative. Moringa oleifera, known for its sustainable cultivation and diverse applications, emerges as a promising candidate for enhancing millet growth.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The primary objectives of this research are:

• To investigate the impact of Moringa oleifera extract on the growth parameters of millet.

• To assess the potential bio-stimulant effects of Moringa oleifera on millet plants at different growth stages.

• To contribute empirical evidence on the viability of Moringa oleifera extract as a sustainable and natural enhancer for millet cultivation.

1.4 Research Questions

The study addresses the following research questions:

1. What is the influence of Moringa oleifera extract on the height and leaf area of millet plants?

2. How does the application of Moringa oleifera extract affect the root development of millet?

3. Are there significant differences in grain yield between millet plants treated with Moringa oleifera extract and those left untreated?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This research holds significance in several dimensions. Firstly, it contributes to the existing body of knowledge on sustainable agriculture by exploring the potential of Moringa oleifera as a natural bio-stimulant. Secondly, the findings may offer farmers an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers, potentially enhancing millet yield while promoting soil health. Moreover, the study has implications for regions where millet is a staple crop, addressing food security concerns through innovative and sustainable agricultural practices.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the influence of Moringa oleifera extract on the growth parameters of millet. The experimental design involves the application of the extract at various growth stages to evaluate its effects on plant height, leaf area, root development, and grain yield. The research is conducted within a controlled environment to isolate the impact of Moringa oleifera extract from other external factors.

1.7 Organization of the Thesis

The thesis is structured to provide a systematic exploration of the research topic. Following this introductory chapter, Chapter Two reviews relevant literature on bio-stimulants, plant extracts, and their effects on crop growth. Chapter Three outlines the methodology employed, including the experimental setup and data collection procedures. Subsequent chapters present the results and discussions (Chapter Four), conclusions, and recommendations (Chapter Five).

In summary, Chapter One lays the foundation for the research by introducing the background, rationale, problem statement, objectives, research questions, significance, and scope of the study. The subsequent chapters will build upon this foundation to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effect of Moringa oleifera extract on the growth of millet.

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