OLEAFERA: BIOSTIMULANT FOR REDUCING CHEMICAL NUTRIENT SOLUTION RELIANCE IN WICK SYSTEM CULTIVATION OF LACTUCA SATIVA (LETTUCE)

Abstract

Botanical extracts, particularly plant-derived biostimulants, are emerging as sustainable agrochemical products that enhance agricultural productivity by reducing the reliance on traditional fertilizers. Among these, Moringa oleifera, commonly known as malunggay, has garnered attention due to its rich composition of beneficial compounds. Studies have demonstrated that Moringa leaf extract (MLE) can positively influence plant growth, quality, and stress tolerance. However, optimizing its formulation and application methods remains crucial to maximize these benefits. In this experimental quantitative study, we evaluated the growth and quality parameters of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) subjected to various treatments, including the application of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE). MLE is recognized for its high zeatin content, a natural cytokinin that promotes plant growth and development. Previous research has demonstrated that MLE can enhance vegetative quality parameters and reduce nitrate content in lettuce leaves. 

 To statistically analyze the data, we employed a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to identify significant differences among treatment groups, followed by Tukey's Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test for post hoc comparisons. This approach allowed for a comprehensive assessment of the impact of different treatments on lettuce growth and quality. In our study, the application of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE) combined with a 10% or 20% reduction in nutrient solution did not maintain the overall quality of lettuce observed in the control group, except for leaf greenness. Between the two treatments, the application of 25 mL MLE with a 20% nutrient solution reduction (Treatment 2) proved more effective.

Previous research has demonstrated that MLE can enhance vegetative quality parameters and reduce nitrate content in lettuce leaves. For instance, a study found that foliar application of 6% MLE significantly improved head structure, head weight, and root weight in lettuce, while also reducing nitrate content by up to 20% 

. Another study reported that MLE application increased chlorophyll content, contributing to improved leaf greenness 

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However, it's important to note that while MLE can enhance certain quality aspects, such as leaf greenness, its effectiveness may vary depending on the concentration used and the extent of nutrient reduction. In our experiment, the treatments with reduced nutrient solutions did not fully match the overall quality metrics of the control group, suggesting that while MLE has beneficial properties, it may not completely offset the effects of reduced nutrient availability.

These findings underscore the need for optimizing MLE application rates and nutrient management strategies to achieve desired lettuce quality outcomes. In our study, the application of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE) combined with a 20% reduction in nutrient solution (Treatment 2) yielded the following results relative to the control group:

Plant Height: 69.47% effectiveness in maintaining height.

Growth Rate: 67.02% effectiveness.

Number of Leaves: 98.31% effectiveness.

Leaf Area: 58.43% effectiveness.

Plant Weight: 55.56% effectiveness.

Leaf Greenness: 33.33% increase.

These findings suggest that while MLE can enhance certain aspects of lettuce growth, such as leaf greenness, it may not fully compensate for reduced nutrient availability in terms of overall plant development.

Previous research supports the beneficial effects of MLE on lettuce. For instance, a study demonstrated that foliar application of 6% MLE significantly improved head structure, head weight, and root weight in lettuce, while also reducing nitrate content by up to 20% 

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. Another study reported that MLE application increased chlorophyll content, contributing to enhanced leaf greenness 

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.

However, it's important to note that while MLE can enhance certain quality aspects, such as leaf greenness, its effectiveness may vary depending on the concentration used and the extent of nutrient reduction. In our experiment, the treatments with reduced nutrient solutions did not fully match the overall quality metrics of the control group, suggesting that while MLE has beneficial properties, it may not completely offset the effects of reduced nutrient availability.

These findings underscore the need for optimizing MLE application rates and nutrient management strategies to achieve desired lettuce quality outcomes.