Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Dose-dependent biostimulation by Moringa oleifera leaf extract enhances germination and early vigor in bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea): a low-cost solution for semi-arid agroecosystems
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Naino Jika Abdel Kader, Halidou Hassane Tissaajatou, Amadou Mounkaila Hamissou
Research Articles | Published: 01 September, 2025
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Keywords: n Vigna subterranean , n Moringa oleiferan , Seed priming, Biostimulant, Germination dynamics, Semi-arid agroecology
Abstract
Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea), a nutrient-rich but underutilized legume vital for West African food security, suffers from erratic germination that limits its agronomic potential. This study provides experimental evidence under controlled laboratory and pot conditions that seed priming with Moringa oleifera leaf extract—a locally abundant phytochemical resource—can help overcome this bottleneck. In a completely randomized design, seeds were treated with 2.5, 5, or 10% Moringa oleifera extract, hydroprimed with water, or left untreated. Germination indices (final germination percentage, peak germination percentage, mean germination time, median germination time, Time to first germination, Timson’s Index, George’s germination rate, coefficient of velocity of germination, coefficient of variation of germination time, synchrony index, information entropy, accumulated germination speed) and seedling traits were analyzed using R-based metrics and visualized via heatmaps and radar plots. The 2.5% extract (MO2.5) had the highest final germination (84.7 vs. 43.7% in control; + 94%) and peak germination (100 vs. 70%) and was significantly higher than NT for both outcomes. It also showed shorter median germination time (5.77 vs. 6.77 days) and higher Timson’s vigor index, George’s germination rate, and cumulative speed compared to controls, although these differences were not statistically significant after Holm adjustment. Seedlings had significantly longer shoots (1.95 cm ~ 194×) and a higher mean root length (5.44 cm) than controls; the overall treatment effect on roots was significant (Kruskal–Wallis p = 0.031), while the MO2.5 vs NT contrast was marginal after Holm adjustment. Conversely, 10% MLE inhibited performance, confirming a dose-dependent response. These effects may relate to bioactive compounds reported for MLE in other species, but extract composition was not analyzed in this study. Our findings validate Moringa oleifera as a low-cost, locally accessible biostimulant for enhancing early seedling vigor in neglected crops. By increasing germination speed and final percentage, this approach could contribute to more reliable bambara groundnut production in semi-arid smallholder systems, pending field validation across diverse agroecological zones, and potentially support UN Sustainable development goals related to food security and agroecological resilience.
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Author Information
Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Agronomy, University Abdou Moumouni, Niamey, Niger