The potential of moringa leaf extract (MLE) as bio-stimulant for improving biochemical and yield attributes of wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) under saline conditions

Foliar application of bio-stimulators is a successful strategy to enhance yield and quality in many crops. Moringa leaf extract (MLE) have plenty of antioxidants which are found as beneficial for regulating the physio-logical and metabolic processes in wheat under abiotic stresses. However, the mechanism of their action is not fully examined. This study was aimed to determine how foliar supplementation of MLE influences the nutrients content, antioxidant enzyme activities, and yield attributes of wheat cultivars in salinity conditions. Different concentrations of MLE were sprayed in two contrasting wheat cultivars; Galaxy-2013 (salt-sensitive) and Pasban-90 (salt-tolerant) under saline-sodic condition (9.5 dS m-1). All the foliar treatments were applied at critical growth stage, tillering, and booting stage. Exogenous application of MLE significantly increased chlorophyll (Chl) content and K+ level, and decreased Na+ level for both Pasban-90 and Galaxy-2013 cultivar when comparing with controlled sample that is in an order of Pasban-90>Galaxy-2013 cultivar>controlled sample. Interestingly, antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, CAT) were also increased for both cultivars. Moreover, exogoneous application of MLE significantly improved yield attributes (spike length, grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, grain yield and biological yield) in both cultivars under salinity stress conditions. The findings of this study suggested that exogenous application of MLE can remarkably ameliorates salinity stress in wheat and salt tolerance is cultivar-specific.