DefinePK

Abstract

Moringa is known to be a miracle plant which offers multiple benefits. This field study was conducted to assess how foliar application of moringa leaf extract (MLE) affects wheat growth and nutrient accumulation. The experiment consisted of seven treatments, including control, MLE with water or ethanol at two different growth stages (tillering, booting, or both). The soil under study was silty clay, slightly alkaline, non-saline, low in organic matter, AB-DTPA extractable phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). We found that the foliar application of MLE significantly improved wheat growth and yield parameters, on an area of 20.25m2. The MLE with water at a ratio of 1:30, applied at both tillering and booting stages recorded maximum plant height (93.0 cm), number of tillers (5.3), spike length (11.7 cm), 1000-grain weight (37.1 g), biological yield (10.0 kg), and grain yield (7.1 kg). Additionally, MLE application enhanced nutrient uptake, with significant increases in grain and straw nitrogen (2.13% and 0.91%, respectively), P (0.38% and 0.29%, respectively), and K  (2.64% and 0.38%, respectively). The study suggests that foliar application of MLE can be a valuable strategy for improving wheat productivity and nutrient uptake, where MLE was applied with water at a ratio of 1:30 showing the most promising results.