ASSESSMENT OF GROWTH STIMULATING PROPERTY OF MORINGA LEAF EXTRACT (MLE) USING VICIA FABA AS TEST PLANTMadhumita BhattacharjeeAbstract Moringa is a miraculous plant having combination of antioxidants, amino acids, macro and micronutrients, minerals and vitamins. The objective of the present study was to assess the growth promoting properties of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf extract by opting Vicia faba as test plant. Germination percentage was calculated after sowing the soaked Vicia faba seeds in different concentrations of MLE like 10%, 20%, 30% and 50% for 6 hours. Soil application of MLE was also given. Foliar spray with the solutions of different concentrations of MLE was done once every week after emergence till 30 days and the growth parameters like average germination, number of leaves emergence, height of plant, shoot length(cm), root length (cm), shoot and root fresh and dry weight(g) had been recorded. All the concentrations of MLE promoted all the growth parameters as compared to control, but greatest enhancement in the test plant vigour was shown by 50 % of MLE. So it was concluded that Moringa leaf extract acts as a potent, natural, eco friendly growth stimulator. It can be used to improve the growth and development of a variety of plants. In future it could be prove to be a boon for the underprivileged farmers, who are not able to purchase the expensive fertilizers and manure due to financial constrains. |