Influence of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extracts on Germination and Seedling Survival of Three Common Legumes

Influence of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf extracts on germination and seedling survival of three popularly consumed legumes; beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) was investigated. Extracts from Moringa leaves forced beans to germinate early and increased duration to first germination by 100%. Extract from Moringa increased germination percentage of cowpea by 4%, while reduced germination of groundnut seed by 4%. Moringa extract lowered seedling survival by 3.7% each of beans and cowpea and 10% in groundnut. Moringa extract increased radical length by 4% in beans, but reduced radicle length of cowpea by 24% and by 21% in groundnut. These extracts increased hypocotyl length by 16.6% in groundnut, but reduced hypocotyl length by 14% in cowpea, while it did not affect hypocotyl length in beans. Moringa extract reduced development of seed hypocotyls by 4% in beans, 4.4% in cowpea and 66.6% in groundnut. Application of Moringa leaf extracts to legume seeds will delay crop emergence and reduce root length and field survival of legume crops. © 2010 Friends Science Publishers