Impact of foliar application of moringa leaf extract on growth and yield of different cultivars of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) in Nigeria

Abstract

Extreme dependency on synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural inputs like pesticides and herbicides poses risks to environmental and health hazards and has driven the quest for more justifiable and eco-friendly approaches.  A field experiment was conducted during the 2024 growing season at Federal University Dutse Teaching and Research Farm, to examine the potential of Moringa Leaf Extract (MLE) as a natural, plant-based biostimulant to improve cucumber (Cucumis sativus) productivity. Three cucumber varieties were used Monalisa F₁, Saira F_1, and Poinsett, and were laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Data on crop growth and yield components were collected and analyzed. Except for the Number of branches and Number of fruits per plant, MLE application significantly enhanced most traits of cucumber, including days to 50% flowering, number of Fruit diameter, vine length, and number of leaves, Poinsett variety had high fruit length compared to Monelisa F1 and Saira F1, while Monalisa F₁ had a high percentage of flowering compared to Poinsett and Saira F1. The application of MLE proved to be an effective biostimulant offering an alternative and environmentally friendly approach to enhance the productivity of cucumber in Sudan Savannah Zone of Nigeria.

Keyword: Bio-stimulant, Cucumber, Moringa leaf extract, Yield, Varieties