MORINGA SEEDLING GROWTH IN BIODYNAMIC CULTIVATION
TF Fumis; PP Fernandes; GV Germano; AC Sampaio; I Cechin
ABSTRACT: Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) is mostly cultivated in tropical and
subtropical regions and it is very appreciated due to its nutritional and pharmacological
values. Each single part of the Moringa tree is eatable and rich in nutrients and bioactive
compounds. In this way, its cultivation is of great importance so that its benefits can be
fully exploited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of biodynamic
preparations in the cultivation of Moringa seedlings. The experiment was carried on in a
greenhouse and the sawing was made in 4 liter pots, with vegetal soil subtract enriched
with worm humus, vermiculite, caster bean cake and bone flour. Three treatments were
conducted, one without the application of biodynamic preparations (control), one with
the application of the preparations, and with horn-silica application and one with the
application of the preparations, but without horn-silica application. The preparations
were horn-manure (500) (2g L water-1) and the Fladen (2,5g L water-1) dinamized and
applied in the sowing; weekly application of horsetail tea (508) (10g L water-1) and
horn-silica (501) sprayed over the plants at the 65th and 80th days after sowing (0,04g L
water-1). In all treatments, biofertilizers were applied (dilution ratio 1:20). The evaluated
parameters were germination percentage, emergency speed index, average emergency
time, shoot dry mass, number of leaves, plant height, stem diameter, chlorophyll
concentration a, b and total and carotenoids. The result was a better development of the
plants by the use of the biodynamic preparations and the plants that received horn-silica
had their photosynthetic development improved.
Keywords: Moringa oleifera, clorofila, carotenoides.