DefinePK

Abstract

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) cultivation is limited germination and early seedling growth challenges. Aloe vera gel, a natural biostimulant, shows potential, but its effects on Moringa are underexplored. The primary objective of this investigation was to identify sustainable ways to increase the germination as well as seedling vigor of Moringa. The study had taken place at the Horticulture Department of Sindh Agriculture University in Tandojam during the fall of 2024. The findings from this research investigates the impact of varying concentrations of Aloe vera gel on the germination and growth of Moringa (Moringa oleifera). The experiment was laid out in a CRD with six treatments, replicated three times. T0 (control), T1 priming (distilled water), T2 (1% Aloe vera gel), T3 (30% Aloe vera gel), T4 (60% Aloe vera gel), and T5 (100% Aloe vera gel). Key germination and growth parameters, including germination percentage, time to germination, germination index, seedling vigor index, number of branches per plant, shoot and root fresh biomass, seedling quality index, plant height, and sturdiness quotient were evaluated in this study. Findings showed that 100% Aloe vera gel (T5) significantly improved germination percentage (82.66%), germination index (4.99), vigor index (2230), plant height (42.11 cm), and number of branches (14.66), while control treatment consistently produced the lowest values. Interestingly, shoot and root biomass, as well as seedling quality index, were maximized at lower concentrations (1% Aloe vera gel). These results highlight the potential of Aloe vera gel as a sustainable and natural biostimulant to overcome germination challenges in Moringa. Future studies should focus on field-scale validation, optimization of gel concentrations, and integration with other eco-friendly priming techniques to establish standardized protocols for large-scale Moringa cultivation.