Exploring the potential of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE) as a seed priming agent in improving wheat performance

Authors: AZRA YASMEEN, SHAHZAD MAQSOOD AHMED BASRA, ABDUL WAHID, WASIF NOUMAN, HAFEEZ UR REHMAN

Abstract: Seed priming with plant extracts and chemicals has been used as an important growth enhancement tool in crop plants; however, the mechanisms of their action are not fully explored. In this research, an attempt was made to understand the mechanism of various seed priming treatments in greenhouse-grown wheat. The seed priming treatments used were hydropriming, on-farm priming, moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaf extract (MLE) priming, and CaCl_2 priming. Results showed that all the seed priming treatments were effective in improving germination and seedling growth attributes of wheat over the control. However, MLE followed by CaCl_2 emerged as the most effective tools. The main mechanisms in this regard were the induction of an antioxidative system together with increased chlorophyll contents, ascorbic acid, and soluble phenolics contents. The results strongly support the view that seed priming with MLE is economical and can be effectively used to improve wheat growth under greenhouse conditions.

Keywords: Antioxidant enzymes, ascorbic acid, CaCl_2 priming, hydropriming, phenolics, pigments

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