Development of Soilless Culture Methods for Production of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) Root and Leaf Biomass

background

Moringa is a valuable tropical agroforestry species with a fruit rich in nutrients. This study tested soilless (hydroponic) Moringa cultivation methods given that past research on tissue culture (vegetative reproduction) has shown difficulty in transfer to soil.

Research Goals & Methods

In this study, dehulled seeds had a high germination rate (65%), whereas hulled seeds had low germination.

Conclusions & Takeaways

Seedlings grew well in a recirculating rockwool slab culture using a nutrient concentration of Hydrosol, Calcium Nitrate Plus and Magnesium sulfate solution. Maintaining a dry region around the base of the stems was critical. An optimum ph was found to be 5.5-6.0. Plants also grew well aeroponically with a recirculating Aeroflo.