Germination, growth and ions uptake of moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) grown under saline condition

ABSTRACT

Salinity is the major environmental stress that affects the growth and productivity of plants. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of salinity on growth and ions uptake by moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) plant. The experiment was carried out in two phases. Initially, a germination test was conducted in the laboratory under the different salinity levels (control, 5, 10, 15, and 20 dS m⁻¹) and found that moringa seeds were germinated only at 5 and 10 dS m⁻¹ salinity levels, and no germination occurred at higher salinity levels (15 and 20 dS m⁻¹). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five replications. In the second phase, three-week old nursery grown plants of moringa were shifted in pots under the five salinity levels (control, 5, 10, 15, and 20 dS m⁻¹). The experiment was laid out in CRD and replicated four times. In pot experiment, the root, shoot length, and dry weights were significantly affected by increasing the salinity levels. The uptake of K⁺ and Ca²⁺ was highly affected at different salinity levels as compared to control and Na⁺ ions accumulation was higher in roots rather than shoot. The results reveal that moringa plant can germinate, survive, and can be cultivated in areas with moderate saline condition.

KEYWORDS:

• dry matter accumulation
• germination
• ions uptake
• Moringa oleifera L
• salinity stress