Effect of different <i>Moringa oleifera</i> extracts and fruit peels on the growth of <i>Solanum scabrum</i>

Abstract

There is a continuous search for natural and safe sources of plant nutrients to replace inorganic fertilizers. Moringa oleifera is one of such alternatives that have been investigated to ascertain its effect on the growth and yield of other crops. Other sources need to be explored. This study investigated the effect of Moringa oleifera extracts and a mixture of orange and banana peels on the growth and vegetable yield of Solanum scabrum Mill, an underutilized, highly nutritious and medicinal leafy vegetable. Leaf, shoot and leaf residue Moringa extracts were applied to different sets of four weeks old seedlings. The two fruit peels were mixed thoroughly and applied to the soil around another set of plants. Growth parameters were compared with plants to which NPK or no fertilizers had been added (control). All Moringa extracts significantly improved growth performance of S. Scabrum seedlings when compared with the control. Some growth parameters especially leaf area and shoot height were enhanced by fruit peel extracts but did not translate to higher plant dry weight. NPK fertilized plants outperformed plants treated with Moringa leaf extracts by only approximately 10% increase in growth parameters where applicable. Fruit peels appear to be promising as bioorganic fertilizers.

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Keywords: Bio-organic fertilizers, indigenous leafy vegetable, African nightshade