The Growth of Drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lam.) Seedling under Artificial Shade and their Early Growth after Transplanting

Abstract

Currently, Moringa oleifera multipurpose plant has become an important crop in the agro-industrial sector. In nursery propagation, suitable environmental conditions such as irradiation is needed for the growth of seedlings. Modifying the sunlight intensity through setting the shade is an important thing that must be considered. This study consisted of three experiments. The first and the second were carried out using black paranet shading, e.g. 90% shading (105.13 lux) using three layers of paranet, 65% shading (387.61 lux) using two layers of paranet, 35% shading (787.96 lux) using one layer of paranet, and without paranet shading (1,479.23 lux); the seed viability was tested with five replications, and each replication consisted of 100 seeds; the seedlings growth was tested with five replications, and each replication consisted of 15 seedlings series. The third was to test the adaptability of seedlings from the second experiment to the production field, through the grid system planting method which was repeated three times and each replication consisted of 10 seedlings. The results showed that the level of shade had a significant effect on seed viability, seedling growth, and early adaptability of seedlings in the production field. The best quality M. oleifera seedlings could be obtained by application of artificial shade using one layer of black paranet with a shade level of 35% (787.96 lux).