Effect of Moringa olifera Leaf Extract on Growth and Productivity of Three Cereal Forages

Moringa olifera leaf extract at different concentrations were used to evaluate their effects on three cereal forages (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench, Penisetum typhoideum Rich and Sorghum Sudanese) grown under stress environment of soil and water salinity in an arid environment. Three independent experiments carried out at King Abdulaziz University Experimental Station, Makkah province during 2015 and 2016. Treatments consisted of four concentrations of Moringa olifera leaf extract- (C1 = 1 ml of juice + 10 ml of distilled water ,C2 = 1 ml of juice + 20 ml of distilled water, C3 = 1 ml of juice + 30 ml of distilled water and C4 = 1 ml of juice + 40 ml of distilled water in addition to distilled water alone as a control). Results showed that the higher concentration C1 contained the highest amount of inorganic elements and growth hormones compared to other concentrations. This in turn reflected in significant higher growth and forage yields of the three forage crops tested. Significant increases in growth and forage yields in both seasons reported for the higher concentration C1 compared to others. Fresh and dry forage yields of Millet, during 2016, increased by the higher concentration over the control treatment by 17.67 and 4.87%, respectively. Results indicated the effectiveness of Moringa leaf extract in improving growth and increasing productivity of cereal forages under harsh environment of salinity and aridity.