Potential of Leaf Extract of Miracle Plant (Moringa oleifera L.) As Seed Priming Agent and Foliar Fertilization of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Abstract

Background: A key desire of a farmer is to produce a higher yield with low inputs. Through proper nutrient management, potential yield can be picked but mostly cotton is not grown with balanced nutrition. In this scenario, seed priming and foliar fertilizers have the advantage of quick plant responses. Therefore, a cost-effective, farmers-friendly, and full of nutrients supplement should be considered. Moringa is known as a miracle plant and its role as a seed priming agent and foliar spray has been observed in many other crops.

Objective: In this regard present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the leaf extract of a miracle plant (Moringa oleifera L.) on the growth and development of cotton.

Methodology: Two cotton varieties CRIS-585 and CRIS-342 were seeded with an experimental design of split-plot repeated thrice. The details of the experiment were i) control ii) foliar spray of tap water iii) seed priming with leaf extract of miracle plant (MLE), iv) seed priming and foliar spray with MLE v) foliar spray with MLE. The extract was 3% solution. Cotton seeds were soaked to complete seed priming for 3 hours. After emergence 30, 60, and 90 days were selected to apply the foliar spray.

Results: It indicated from the application of leaf extract that seed priming, as well as a foliar spray on cotton crops, had significant (p=0.05) effects on its yield and related parameters. The highest boll weight (3.8 g) and seed cotton yield (3844 kg ha^-1) were recorded when a combined application of seed priming and foliar spray was done followed by the sole application of the foliar spray. While the minimum values of boll weight and seed cotton yield were found from the control where no seed priming or foliar spray was done.

Conclusion: It is concluded that the application of leaf extract of miracle plants as seed priming and foliar spray in cotton crops significantly affected seed cotton yield and its traits.