Growth regulator spray induced nutrient element variation in leaves of annual moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) Cv. PKM-1

Abstract: Growth regulators, a group of synthetic chemicals have the capacity to create physical, physiological and nutritional changes in crops. The induced changes affect the hormonal balance, growth and development leading to improved yield and quality. The effect of diff erent growth regulators on mineral nutrients in leaf of annual moringa Cv. PKM-1 was studied at field level under randomized block design with three replications. The mineral nutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn) in moringa leaves were assessed from control and treated plants (GA3 20 ppm, NAA 20 ppm, SA 0.5 %, Nitrobenzene 0.5 %, Paclobutrazol 20 ppm and Mepiquat chloride 50 ppm). Paclobutrazol (20 ppm) was found effective in enhancing the mineral content of moringa leaves followed by Mepiquat chloride (50 ppm).

Keywords: Moringa, leaves, growth regulators, mineral elements