Physiological characters of Moringa oleifera Lamk in Madura

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is tolerant of various environmental conditions. Moringa growth at the dry area in Indonesia which were influenced by plant material, cultivation techniques, growing environment. The Moringa consists of 13 species which have differences in the form of physical characteristics, namely the shape of the branch and geographical place to grow in the temperature and tropical environment. Moringa was widely grown in Indonesia with the name Marongghi, and others. Moringa grows in rural areas such as Madura (Bangkalan, Sampang, Pamekasan and Sumenep Regencies). The purpose of this study was to study the physiological characteristics of Moringa plants from several regions in Madura. Moringa physiological characters observed were chlorophyll, proline, quercetin content, density, and width of the stomata opening. The physiological analysis showed variation between Moringa populations (n = 3 ± SD). The highest content of chlorophyll a, b and total were in Bluto, proline in Pasean, quercetin in Lenteng, highest density and width of the stomata opening in Bluto. The dry condition of Madura can affect plant growth, especially from physiological and biochemical aspects. The physiological characteristics associated with drought resistance include reducing the number of stomata and increasing photosynthesis by increasing chlorophyll a, b total, proline, and quercetine contents.