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

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate an alternative medium based on Moringa oleifera leaves enriched with growth regulators that can improve seed germination efficiency in a controlled environment, comparing it with conventional methods and exploring the benefits of using natural compounds rich in essential nutrients for G. aurantiaca species.

Design/methodology/approach: Dehydrated moringa leaves were used to prepare in vitro culture media to evaluate their effect on the germination of G. aurantiaca, using a completely randomized experimental design with analysis of variance and Tukey's test to compare means. The variables included different concentrations of moringa leaves and growth regulators, with germination percentage as the dependent variable.

Study limitations/implications: The availability of seeds of the species G. aurantiaca.

Results. The MS medium with GA₃ (0.1 mg/L^-1) achieved the highest germination percentage of 91% after 47 days. The medium based on Moringa leaves at a concentration of 10 g/L^-1 enriched with GA3 (0.1 mg/L^-1), achieved a germination percentage of 89% at 97 days after sowing.

Findings/conclusions: The culture medium enriched with moringa leaves is an efficient alternative for the in vitro germination of the orchid G. aurantiaca, establishing itself for the first time as an effective alternative for the germination and conservation of the species.