The Use of Moringa Leaves Extract as a Plant Growth Hormone on Cowpea (Vigna Anguiculata)

Abstract

The use of Moringa oleifera leaves extract as plant growth hormone on cowpea plant (Vigna unguiculata) has been studied at the biological garden of Usmanu Danfodiyo university, Sokoto. An extract was made by grinding young moringa leaves and diluted with water at the ratio of 1:30 25 mls, three blocks were made labelled M, F and D, with three replications each, the extract prepared was applied on block 'M' only, while a small pinch of synthetic fertilizer (Urea) was applied in block 'F' and a control treatment was set up using distilled water, which applied to each plant in hill D. results indicates that in the 3 rd week of observation the cowpea plants treated with moringa extract have the highest mean of stems, number of leaves and branches, length of leaves and branches, and thickness of stem. Then followed by those treated fertilizer mean and finally those treated with distilled water this result shows that moringa leaves extract has an improving effects on the growth of cowpea. Moringa leaf extract (MLE) is rich with numerous growth hormones, particularly zeatin that has been reported to increase the crops yield in the range of 10-45 %. Moringa leaf juice also contains micronutrients in sufficient quantities and suitable proportions that increase the growth, yield components and yield of a variety of crops.