PJB-2022-63
EFFECT OF MORINGA LEAF EXTRACT CONCENTRATIONS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF LETTUCE CULTIVARS
Ahmad Farooq
Abstract
A study on the effect of moringa leaf extract on the performance of lettuce cultivars was conducted at Ornamental Nursery, Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture Peshawar during 2020-21. A randomized complete block design with two factors in a split plot arrangement was used to conduct the experiment. There are four different concentrations of moringa leaf extract (MLE), (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8% v/v) were assigned to the main plots, while five lettuce cultivars (Red Laurel, Red Oak-leaf, Milky White, Romaine, and Large Speed) were kept in the subplots. Lettuce seedlings produced in pots were transplanted to the field, five weeks after sowing. Lettuce cultivars sprayed with the required MLE concentrations at two, four, and six weeks after transplantation, while an extra application of MLE was given before bolting to the plants left for seed production. The results showed significant differences among the cultivars regarding most of the studied parameters. That Lettuce cv. Red Laurel produced maximum fresh (462.8 g) and dry (29.3 g) head weight. Maximum plant height (147.8 cm) was recorded for cv. Red Oak-leaf. Maximum leaves (34.6), head diameter (31.1 cm), head height (41.6 cm), root length (48.5 cm), seed yield (1657.0 kg.ha-1), and leaf area (1417.7 cm2) were noted in cv. Milky White. Cultivar Romaine took maximum days to flowering (126.0) and seed production (147.8). It also provided maximum chlorophyll content (41.3) and the best taste (7.8 out of 10). Moreover, the MLE concentrations also had substantial effects on the growth and yield of lettuce cultivars. Here, maximum plant height (136.7 cm), leaf area (1380.3 cm2), number of leaves (29.3), head diameter (26.1 cm), days to flowering (116.2), root length (42.3 cm), head height (35.2 cm), seed yield (1373.5 kg.ha-1), days to seed production (144.8), chlorophyll content (36.8 SPAD), fresh (403.7 g), and dry (27.0 g) head weights were produced by plants sprayed with 8% (v/v) MLE concentration. It is concluded that MLE, being a useful growth promotor, has a considerable effect on the growth and development of lettuce cultivars. Thus it is recommended for the organic production of the crop.
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