Albert Zvenhamo Chiteka

Effect of Moringa Leaf Extract on Growth and Yield of Crops Albert Zvenhamo Chiteka

Moringa oleifera leaf extract is an organic technology which increases growth of most vegetable and field crops. This phenomenon is analogous to synthetic hormonal effect because the extract contains the most common form of naturally occurring cytokinin in plants called Zeatin. The vegetable crops include rape, cabbage and tomato, while the field crops include maize and common beans. Moringa is easy to grow (from seed or cuttings); grows in most soils (for example sandy soils) and climatic conditions or marginal areas. The tree is easy to propagate, and is fast to grow. Moringa leaf extract is a technology which is cheap and environmentally safe to use. It performs best when used in conjunction with synthetic fertilizers. Hence, it is a very important synergistic component and alternative to synthetic fertilizers for the rural poor. As long as it is grown at household level, it is always available and accessible to the farmer. It is also reported to have many useful medicinal effects to humans which include HIV/AIDS related ailments. Moringa has proved to be a potential source for research as scientists have moved their focus to this "Miracle tree".