The Effect of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam) Leaf Extract on the Growth and Yield of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) under Water Stress Conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in farmland in Ghayl Bawazir District, Hadhramaut Governorate, Yemen, to study the effect of Moringa leaf extract (MLE) on the growth and yield of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) grown under water stress conditions during the 2024 growing season. A randomized complete block design with two parametersirrigation intervals (5 and 10 days) and Moringa leaf extract concentrations (0, 5, and 10%) applied as a foliar spraywas used, with three replications. The results showed that irrigation every 10 days negatively and significantly affected chlorophyll synthesis, while foliar spraying of Moringa leaf extract had a positive effect in mitigating this stress. The 10% Moringa leaf extract concentration resulted in the highest readings for the number of leaves, percentage of shoot dry weight, plant height, and chlorophyll a, while the 5% concentration resulted in the highest readings for chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and yield of the experimental plot. Therefore, we recommend using Moringa leaf extract to mitigate the negative effects of drought stress and increase productivity. It serves as a natural alternative that can achieve similar effects to synthetic chemicals without the potentially harmful side effects on humans, the environment, and other living organisms associated with synthetic chemicals.