Growth Performance of Selected Moringa Oleifera Seed Origins in North Florida

Introduction

Moringa oleifera, commonly known as the horseradish or drumstick tree, is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant species that thrives in poor soil conditions. This study, conducted at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), aimed to evaluate the growth performance and survivability of various Moringa seed origins in North Florida’s climate.

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Key Findings

• Top-performing seed origins: Nigeria Local demonstrated the highest growth rates, with an average height of 191.98 cm in 2018 and 123.19 cm in 2019.
• Stem diameter: The Colombia seed origin had the largest stem diameter in both seasons, measuring 2.6 cm (2018) and 2.08 cm (2019).
• Impact of rainfall: A significant reduction in annual rainfall from 2028.46 mm (2018) to 993.14 mm (2019) negatively affected plant growth.
• Vegetative propagation: Jamaica seed origin showed the highest success rate when propagated using stem cuttings, even without rooting hormones.

Broader Implications

The American Society of Agronomy highlights the importance of selecting climate-resilient crops for sustainable agriculture. The ability of Moringa oleifera to withstand drought conditions and its rapid growth make it a valuable species for tropical and subtropical regions.

Read the Full Study

Access the complete research article at https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.jpsp.1001066.

Practical Applications

• Agricultural expansion: The adaptability of Moringa to sub-tropical climates like North Florida suggests it could be cultivated beyond its traditional growing regions.
• Soil considerations: The study highlights that Moringa growth varies with soil composition, emphasizing the need for proper soil assessment before cultivation.
• Drought resistance: As climate change intensifies, Moringa’s resilience makes it a viable crop for regions experiencing water scarcity.

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