Exogenous application of moringa leaf extract influences growth, flowering and vase life of snap dragon (Antirrhinum majus) cultivars

Abstract

Plant-derived bio-stimulants such as Moringa leaves extract are known for increasing the growth and yield of horticultural produce besides having no toxic effects as compared to synthetic fertilizers. Keeping in view its importance a field experiment entitled "Exogenous application of Moringa leaves extract influences growth, flowering and vase life of snapdragon cultivars" was carried out at Malakander Horticulture Research Farm, University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan during winter, 2019. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with a factorial arrangement having two factors i.e. Cultivars (Potomac and Rocket) and Moringa leaf Extract (MLE) concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%) replicated three times. Cultivars and MLE concentrations significantly affected the studied parameters. Statistical analysis showed that Rocket cultivar produced maximum numbers of leaves plant-1 (126.50), stem diameter (11mm), plant height (100cm), number of florets spike-1 (34), flowering duration (39days) and vase life (6days) as compared to Potomac cultivar. Similarly, most number of leaves plant-1 (114), stem diameter (11mm), plant height (99cm), number of florets spike-1 (35), flowering duration (44 days), and vase life (8days) was recorded in plants treated with 30% MLE extract. It is concluded that 30% MLE for exogenous application and Rocket cultivar for commercial production is recommended in agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar valley.

Headnote

Abstract

Plant-derived bio-stimulants such as Moringa leaves extract are known for increasing the growth and yield of horticultural produce besides having no toxic effects as compared to synthetic fertilizers. Keeping in view its importance a field experiment entitled "Exogenous application of Moringa leaves extract influences growth, flowering and vase life of snapdragon cultivars" was carried out at Malakander Horticulture Research Farm, University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan during winter, 2019. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with a factorial arrangement having two factors i.e. Cultivars (Potomac and Rocket) and Moringa leaf Extract (MLE) concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%) replicated three times. Cultivars and MLE concentrations significantly affected the studied parameters. Statistical analysis showed that Rocket cultivar produced maximum numbers of leaves plant-1 (126.50), stem diameter (11mm), plant height (100cm), number of florets spike-1 (34), flowering duration (39days) and vase life (6days) as compared to Potomac cultivar. Similarly, most number of leaves plant-1 (114), stem diameter (11mm), plant height (99cm), number of florets spike-1 (35), flowering duration (44 days), and vase life (8days) was recorded in plants treated with 30% MLE extract. It is concluded that 30% MLE for exogenous application and Rocket cultivar for commercial production is recommended in agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar valley.

Keywords: Bio stimulants; MLE concentration; Potomac cultivar; Rocket cultivar

Introduction

Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) is a perennial herbaceous ornamental plant but mostly treated as a winter annual seasonal flowering plant [1]. Its family is Plantaginaceae and its origin is the Mediterranean region [2]. Snapdragons are available in varying sizes but mostly they are tall attaining a height of 2-3 feet in pots and parterres. Leaves are lanceolate and are 3 inches in length. The Inflorescence is a spike. The dense spikes produce tubular or butterfly-shaped florets. Snapdragon flowers are available in a wide array of colours such as white, purple, red, yellow, orange, pink, and bicolour [3]. Flower spikes can be utilized as a cut flower, alone or in mixed bouquets. Snapdragon is also grown in flower beds in the parks and landscape gardens. Snapdragon is widely recognized in the world for its colourful petals and sweet scent [4].

Chemicals (inorganic fertilizers, pesticides, etc.) used for increasing production are not favourable both for the environment and mankind due to nitrification, leaching and other adverse effects [5, 6]. Inorganic fertilizers quickly release nutrients in the soil which are available to weeds resulting in more infestation of weeds. These weeds then compete with the main crop for water, nutrients, and other resources resulting in decreased production [7]. The increased cost of these chemicals is also a barrier to increasing production [8, 9]. Overuse of inorganic fertilizers causes soil salinity and causes the plant to spend more energy on water absorption and ultimately the plant completely wilts [10]. These reasons compel the researchers to explore alternate ways for increasing the production of horticultural produce and reduce the reliance on chemical inputs.

One of the ways to increase production is the use of plant-derived bio-stimulants (PDBs). "Plant bio-stimulants are substances and or micro-organisms which stimulate the natural processes to enhance nutrient uptake, nutrient efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress and crop quality when applied to plants". PDBs can increase plant growth, improve physiological processes which results in increased nutrient uptake, growth, and tolerance to abiotic stresses [11]. Moringa leaf extract (MLE) is one of the important plant derived bio-stimulant. It is now gaining attention for its growth promoting characteristics. Both macro-and micro-nutrients, such as N, P, K, Ca, B, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mn, Na and Fe are present in adequate quantities in moringa leaves [12]. MLE is a great source of amino acids, ascorbate, zeatin, minerals, and many other compounds which are responsible for promoting growth. These growth promoters affect plant growth in many ways and improve defence mechanisms against abiotic stresses balancing the endogenous concentration of plant growth regulators [13]. Foliar applications of MLE at different growth stages influence vegetative and floral traits and increase the quantity and size of corms in gladiolus as compared to untreated plants [14]. It also increases plant height, number of branches, leaf area, biomass yield and volatile oil content in geranium as compared to control plants [15]. Experiments with Freesia hybrids shows that corm soaking and foliar application with MLE at 1%,2%,3%and 5% increased seed germination by 50%, resulted in the tallest plants with shortest production time, the maximum number of flowers, leaf area and cut-flower quality traits and long vase life along with leaf chlorophyll content [16]. Combined applications of MLE and nutrients (K and Zn) results in low fruit drop and increased fruit set, yield, and fruit quality parameters in mandarin [17].

The present experiment was conducted to find the effectiveness of moringa leaf extract on growth, flowering and vase life of snapdragon cultivars suited for commercial production. The study is also an effort to reduce the use of chemicals and explore novel ways to increase production.

Materials and Methods

Experimental site

The field experiment was conducted at Malakander Horticulture Research Farm, the University of Agriculture Peshawar Pakistan during November 2019.

Experimental procedure

Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors was used for the experiment. Factors in the experiment were three MLE concentrations (w/v) (0 %( Control), 10%, 20%, 30 %) and two snapdragon cultivars (Rocket and Potomac). Total treatments were eight and total experimental units were 24. There were three replicates. In each treatment there were 10 plants.

Nursery sowing

The seeds of snapdragon cultivars were bought from a reputed seed store in Peshawar, Pakistan. Seeds were sown in trays in nursery in November 2019 and transplantation to experimental field was carried out in January 2020 when seedling reached the size of 3-4 true leaves. Row to row distance was 60 cm and plant to plant distance was 30cm.

Treatment of moringa leaf extract

Moringa leaves were obtained from Moringa trees of Malakander Farm. The leaves were washed and rinsed with distilled water. The leaves were then crushed using a clean mortar and pestle. The dried leaves were then transferred to the beakers each containing 100ml of sterile distilled water. The solution was filtered using muslin cloth after 3 hours [18]. Extract concentrations of 10, 20 and 30% w/v were prepared by dissolving 10g, 20g and 30g of the filtered extract in 100mls of sterile distilled water in a beaker respectively [19]. The extract was sprayed on the aerial parts of the plant at three stages i.e. 5 leaves, 7 leaves and floral bud stage.

Studied parameters

Number of Leaves Plant -1

It was calculated by counting total number of leaves of the plant throughout life cycle.

Internode length (cm)

It was measured by using measuring tape.

Stem diameter (mm)

It was computed at the base of the plant by Vernier caliper [20].

Plant height (cm)

It was noted from the base to the tip of the plant by measuring tape.

Number of florets spike-1

It was calculated by counting total no of florets in a spike.

Spike length (cm)

It was measured with the help of measuring tape.

Flowering duration (Days)

It was considered from the day of anthesis to the day when most of the florets in the spike were dead and lost its color. Also evaluated visually.

Vase life (Days)

When lower third of the spike was opened, it was harvested and placed in the vase containing standard sucrose solution. The days were counted from time when the spike was kept in the vase. When 5o% of the florets were wilted the vase, life was considered terminated [21]. Statistical analysis

The data was recorded and subjected to Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design. Statistix 8.1(statistical analysis software) was used for calculating ANOVA and LSD values [20]. When F values were significant, the mean comparisons were performed by using Least Significance Difference (LSD) test at 5% level of significance [21].

Results and Discussion

Number of leaves plant-1

Results showed that snapdragon cultivars and MLE concentrations significantly increased number of leaves plant-1while their interaction was found non-significant (Table 1). Among the cultivars, Rocket produced maximum number of leaves plant-1 (126.50) as compared to Potomac (79.83). The means for different MLE concentrations showed that foliar spray of 30% concentration produced maximum number of leaves plant -1(114) which was different from other treatments. Minimum numbers of leaves plant-1 (91.67) were produced by control (0%) treatment. It is obvious from the results that snapdragon plants responded positively to increasing MLE concentrations (0-30%). This response might be due to higher concentration of cytokinin in MLE which are responsible for cell division and chlorophyll biosynthesis [22]. Moringa leaves are also rich in several micro nutrients such as Magnesium which is constituent of chlorophyll [23]. These Rocket has greater internode length (2.5cm) as compared to the internode length (1.5cm) of cultivar Potomac. The increase in internode length of cultivars might be due to the genetic makeup. Mean values of internode length for different MLE concentrations also showed significant differences. Highest internode length (2.5cm) was recorded for 30% MLE concentration which was different from other treatments. Minimum internode length (1.5cm) was recorded for 0% (control) treatment. As far as the interaction was concerned the cultivars and MLE concentrations had a non-significant effect. The increase in internode length of cultivars with increasing (0-30%) MLE concentrations might be because of MLE on stem elongation as MLE increase nutrient uptake and increase growth [10]. The results are also in line with the findings of [27] who reported that MLE at the ratio of 1: 30 resulted an increase in growth parameters of cowpea. [28] also reported an increase in growth and yield of tomato by foliar spray of MLE at the ratio of 1:32.

Stem diameter (mm)

The data regarding the stem diameter are presented in (Table 1). The statistical findings also agree with [24] who reported that MLE at the rate of 10 % concentration increased the number of leaves plant-1in okra. Similar findings were reported by [25] in sweet corn and [26] in garlic.

Internode length (cm)

Data analysis revealed that the snapdragon cultivars and MLE concentrations significantly influenced the internode length whereas, their interaction showed a non-significant difference (Table 1). Mean values for internode length of cultivar showed that

analysis of the data showed that the stem diameter was significantly affected both in case of snapdragon cultivars and MLE concentrations. The interaction between the cultivars and MLE concentrations was non-significant. Between the cultivars, Rocket recorded maximum stem diameter (11mm) and minimum stem diameter (9mm) was observed for Potomac. In case of MLE concentrations there was significant difference among the means. Maximum stem diameter (11mm) was observed in plants sprayed with 30% MLE concentrations which was different from other treatments and minimum stem diameter (9.1mm) was recorded for 0% (control) treatment. Increase in stem girth might be due to the increase in endogenous concentration of plant hormones such as auxin, gibberellins and cytokinin as moringa leaves are rich in plant hormones especially zeatin [29]. These results are also confirmed by [30] who found improvement in vegetative traits of sacred basil by spraying 2%MLE with other chemicals. [31] also studied increase in growth of peppers which were treated with exogenous application of MLE at the ratio of 1:10 and 1:20.

Plant height (cm)

From the data analyzed it is observed that the snapdragon cultivars and MLE concentrations significantly affected plant height while their interaction was found non-significant (Table 1). Mean values of plant height for cultivars indicated that cultivar Rocket showed the highest plant height (100cm) as compared to the plant height (77cm) of Potomac. Mean values for MLE concentrations also showed significant difference among them. Highest plant height (99cm) was recorded for treatments sprayed with 30% MLE concentrations which was significantly different from other treatments. Lowest plant height (78cm) was noted in control treatment. The interaction between cultivars and MLE concentrations was also significant. Highest plant height (109cm) was observed in Rocket sprayed with 30% MLE concentration whereas minimum plant height (66cm) was recorded for Potomac sprayed with 0% MLE (Control) treatment. The increase in plant height might be due to the higher concentration of amino acids, nutrients and growth hormones in Moringa leaves. This agrees with the findings of [32] who reported that exogenous application of 10% MLE increased the plant height of the ber plant. [33] also concluded that foliar application of MLE at 1:32 concentration increased the plant height in maize. The results are also in accordance with [34, 35] who found that exogenous application of MLE increased plant height in tomato and beans

Number of florets spike-1

Data presented in (Table 2) indicated that snapdragon cultivars and MLE concentrations significantly affected number of florets spike-1. Their interaction was found non-significant. Maximum number of florets spike-1 (34) were recorded in cultivar Rocket as compared to cultivar Potomac (25). There was also significant difference among the means of MLE concentrations. Data analysis showed that exogenous spray of MLE at 30% resulted in maximum number of florets spike-1 (35) which was different from other means. Minimum number of florets spike-1 (25) was seen in (0% MLE) control plot. As MLE is a growth enhancer so it may have resulted in increased accumulation of photosynthates which lead to increased reproductive growth. These findings are also reported by [15] who sprayed freesia hybrids with MLE at 1%,2%,3%and 5% and concluded that maximum number of flowers were produced by treated plants as compared to control. [36] also reported maximum number of flowers in cotton when applied MLE 45 days after blooming.

Spike length (cm)

The data regarding spike length of snapdragon stated that cultivars and MLE concentration had a significant effect (Table 2) on the spike length. The interaction between the cultivars and MLE concentration was not significant. Mean value of spike length for cultivars showed that more spike length (24cm) was recorded in cultivar Rocket as compared with the spike length (14cm) of cultivar Potomac. Though both the cultivars were subjected to same cultural practices and treatments the variation in spike length may be due to their genetic constitution or both cultivars have different receptivity to foliar spray of MLE. Means for MLE concentrations also exhibited significant difference. Plants sprayed with 30% MLE has taller spikes (23cm) which was significantly different from other means. Shorter spikes (15cm) were recorded in (0%MLE) control treatment. This increasing trend exhibited by the plants with the exogenous application of MLE might be due to the presence of gibberellins in moringa leaves. Gibberellins play key role in essential for growth-enhancing activities, flowering initiation and fruit development [37, 38].

Flowering duration (days)

Flowering duration of snapdragon was significantly influenced by cultivars and MLE concentration and their interaction was non-significant as evident from the (Table 2). Data revealed that cultivar rocket exhibited maximum flowering duration of 39 days as compared to cultivar Potomac in which the maximum flowering duration was for 30 days. Among the means of MLE concentrations it was noted that exogenous application of 30% MLE resulted in longest flowering duration of 44 days. It was significantly different from other means. Shortest flowering duration of 25 days was reported in control plot. The increase in flowering duration may be because of MLE, as it maintained the relative water content in gladiolous as reported by [39]. Limited research has been carried out on extending the bloom period using MLE.MLE should be used in different concentrations and sprayed prior to bloom to check in detail the effect of MLE on extending the bloom period.

Vase life (days)

The analysis of variance revealed that snapdragon cultivars and MLE concentration had significant effect on vase life (Table 1) and their interaction was found non-significant. The means data for cultivars indicated that maximum vase life (6 days) was observed in the cultivar Rocket as compared to the cultivar Potomac in which the vase life was 5 days. In case of MLE concentrations the means showed that 30% MLE lead to maximum vase life(8days) and was different from other means. Minimum vase life of 3 days was seen in (0%) control treatment. MLE reduce ion leakage and suppress microbial growth at the stem base and might be the reason for longevity of flowers. These findings are also in harmony with [40] who stated that MLE at 1:20 and 1:30 significantly increased the vase life of cut roses by 5 and 8 days as compared to distilled water. [39] reported that spikes treated with 3% or 4% MLE extended the vase life by 10 or 9 days as compared to control treatment. MLE is a novel preservative whose role as a flower preservative is not fully known. Role of MLE should be further explored in increasing flower longevity as it is ecofriendly and inexpensive.

Conclusion

It was evident from the study that Rocket cultivar performed better in all studied attributes as compared to Potomac cultivar. As far as the effect of MLE is concerned the results concluded that exogenous application of MLE at 30% produced the best results. Therefore, MLE at the rate of 30% for exogenous application and cultivar Rocket for commercial production is recommended in agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar.

Authors' contributions

Conceived and designed the experiments: S Din & H Mukhtar, Performed the experiments: F Noor & A Jan, Analyzed the data: M Raheel & A Jan, Contributed reagents/ materials/ analysis tools: Z Hussain, S Wisal & M Ramzan, Wrote the paper: A Jan & F Noor.

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Citation

Abdullah Jan, Fahad Noor, Subhan Uddin, Haider Mukhtar, Muhammad Ramzan, Muhammad Raheel, Zahid Hussain and Shakoor Wisal. Exogenous application of moringa leaf extract influences growth, flowering and vase life of snap dragon (Antirrhinum majus) cultivars. Pure and Applied Biology. Vol. 11, Issue 2, pp459-467. hţţp://dx^

Received: 03/05/2021 Revised: 16/07/2021 Accepted: 16/08/2021 Online First: 26/08/2021

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