Effect of Moringa oleifera Lam, leaves in the in vitro germination of Guarianthe aurantiaca (Bateman) Dressler & W.E.Higgins

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate an alternative culture medium based on moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves and enriched with growth regulators that could improve seed germination efficiency in a controlled environment. This alternative method was compared with conventional methods; in addition, the benefits of using nutrient-dense natural components for the species G. aurantiaca were analyzed.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Dehydrated moringa leaves were used to prepare the in vitro culture media. Their effect on the germination of G. aurantiaca was evaluated using a completely randomized experimental design. Meanwhile, an analysis of variance and Tukey's test were used to compare means. The variables included different moringa leaf (7, 10, and 15 g/L^-1) and growth regulator concentrations. The dependent variable was germination percentage.

Study Limitations/Implications: The availability of G. aurantiaca seeds was a limiting factor.

Results: After 47 days, the MS medium with GA₃ (0.1 mg/L^-1) achieved the highest germination rate (91%). Ninety-seven days after sowing, the moringa leaf-based medium, with a 10 g/L^-1 concentration and enriched with GA₃ (0.1 mg/L^-1), achieved an 89% germination rate.

Findings/Conclusions: The culture medium enriched with moringa leaves is an efficient alternative for the in vitro germination of G. aurantiaca. These results established for the first time that the moringa-based culture medium is an effective alternative for the germination and conservation of this species.