Author(s): SOARES, T. F. S. N.; MUNIZ, E. N.; SOUSA, J. P. S.; OLIVEIRA JUNIOR, L. F. G. de; BARBOSA, A. M.; SILVA, A. V. C. da

Summary: Moringa oleifera Lam. is a multiple purpose tree used as human and animal food, cosmetic production and water purification. Seed priming combined with growth promoters and natural substances has been used to improve plant performance. This study aimed to verify the efficiency of seed priming using growth-promoting substances such as brassinosteroids, ascorbic acid, and moringa leaf extract on seed germination and seedling growth of Moringa oleifera. The seeds were primed with water and 24-epibrassinolide solutions (EBL 10 -10, 10 -8 and 10 -6 M), ascorbic acid (AsA 50, 100 and 150 mg.L -1) and Moringa Leaf Extract (MLE 1:30). Primed seeds with EBL 108 M improved the speed of seed germination. Seedling length and vigor increased mainly in treatments with AsA 100 mg.L -1 and MLE 1:30. The activity of the antioxidant enzyme catalase increased mainly in primed seeds with AsA. Plant height, steam base diameter, number of leaves and gas exchange parameters such as photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and internal CO2 concentration increased in plants which were from primed seeds with MLE 1:30. Therefore, we recommend seed priming to improve plant growth of Moringa olefeira, mainly using MLE, a natural and ecological product.

Publication year: 2023

Types of publication: Journal article

Unit: Embrapa Coastal Tablelands

Keywords: Citogenética Vegetal, Melhoramento Genético Vegetal, Moringa Oleifera, Moringaceae, Plant genetics