Effect of moringa extract on the leaf anatomy and yield potential of tomato infected by Alternaria solani

Abstract

Tomato is often exposed to hormones and diseases, among other factors, to which responses in leaf anatomy and yield are observed. This study evaluated responses in the leaf anatomy of Alternaria solani infected (IN) and non-infected (NIN) tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) to moringa leaf extract (MLE) application; the responses were then correlated with fruit yield. MLE concentrations of 0.5, 0.75 and 1.5 kg L⁻¹ (w/v) were prepared. Controls were distilled water (negative) and 50 mg L⁻¹ benzylanimopurine cytokinin (positive). Significant interactions were observed for stomatal density (p < 0.001). MLE increased lamina thickness, stomatal density, stomatal size and yield. There was a strong positive correlation between yield, stomatal density, stomatal size and lamina thickness. Stomatal density showed the strongest correlation (r = 0.7979) with fruit yield.

Keywords:

• correlation
• fruit yield
• leaf anatomical responses
• moringa leaf extract