USING OF MORINGA LEAF EXTRACT FOR STIMULATES GROWTH AND YIELD OF CUCUMBER (CUCUMIS SATIVUS L.)

A greenhouse study was conducted in 2017 and 2018 growing seasons to evaluate the growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) F1 hybrid cv. ‘Hesham’ in response to foliar application with three concentrations (1:40, 1:30 and 1:20) of moringa leaf extract. Cucumber growth traits (plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of leaves and stems) and flowering traits (number of flowers, number of days to the first female flower and fruit set %) were significantly enhanced following the foliar application with moringa leaf extract. The growth and development of cucumber fruits (fruit fresh and dry weight, and fruits total yield) were also promoted in response to the treatments. moringa leaf extract treatments markedly increased the endogenous hormone levels (auxins, gibberellins and cytokinins) and enhanced the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in cucumber leaves. This stimulation effect revealed that moringa leaf extract might be utilized as an effective natural and safe biostimulant in organic agricultural production.