Effect of biostimulants on leaf yield and quality of annual moringa (Moringa oleifera. Lam) Var. PKM-1

Research study on effect of foliar application of biostimulants on yield and quality of annual moringa for leaf production was conducted at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam between October 2014 to September 2016. Annual moringa Var PKM-1 seeds were sown @ 40 cm x 20 cm spacing. Foliar application of different concentrations of humic acid, Vermiwash and sea weed extract were given as per the treatment schedule. Harvesting of moringa leaves was done starting from 60 days after sowing leaving 45 cm stem from the ground level at every 45 days interval. Fresh and dry leaf yield per plot was recorded in each harvest and the data were analyzed statistically. Cost benefit ratio for each treatment was calculated. Among the different treatment combinations, application of humic acid 0.2% + vermiwash 4% + sea weed extract 4% @ 10 days after each harvest recorded the highest dry leaf yield of 18.24 t/ha followed by the application of humic acid 2 ml/lit + vermiwash 4% + sea weed extract 4% @ 10 and 25 days after each harvest along with recommended dose of fertilizer. The highest benefit cost ratio of 1: 2.45 was observed in the treatment of foliar application of humic acid 2 ml/lit + vermiwash 4% + sea weed extract 4% @ 10 days after each harvest along with recommended dose of fertilizers.