Growth, development, maturation indices, proximate and mineral composition of moringa (Moringa oleifera)

Purpose: Moringa oleifera is a multi-purpose plant. The growth curve would determine harvest date and maturity indices. Analysis of proximate and mineral constituents would highlight nutritional and health benefits. Research methods: Investigations were conducted on growth curve parameters, maturation indices, proximate and mineral compositions of moringa plant parts (Moringa oleifera) on four-year-old tress from ۲۰۱۶-۲۰۱۹. Findings: The growth curve depicted a single sigmoid shape. Pods harvested ۲۵ days after flowering were immature (M۱), with a light-green skin colour, firm, tender seeds, and light greenish-cream flesh and seeds. Pods attained horticultural maturity with optimum cooking quality ۳۲ days (M۲) post-anthesis with corresponding maturity indices being firm, light greenish-cream-flesh and well–formed seed. Dried partially senesced over-matured pods (M۳), harvested after ۵۱ days, had a light-brown dermal layer enclosing dark brown firm seeds with the highest fat and crude fiber being ۲۰۰.۳ g/kg and ۳۱۴.۵ g/kg. Green-tender seeds showed the highest crude protein content of ۲۹۶.۰ g/kg. Immature leaves (L۱) had the highest dry matter content while stage ۲ leaves had the highest ash content. Matured pods showed the highest moisture content. Mineral contents of stage ۳ leaves (L۳) consisted of magnesium (۴۲۵۵.۶ppm) while stage ۱ leaves had the most iron (۱۴۷.۰ ppm) and potassium (۳۰۲۱۰.۰ppm). Leaves at stage ۲ had the most sodium (۲۵۴۷.۹ ppm) and boron (۲۳.۱ ppm). Research limitations: Limited cultivars.  Originality/Value: Maturity indices on the growth curve confirmed the multi-purpose nature of the moringa plant and benefits to the food and health industries.

Keywords:

Growth , Maturity , Minerals , Moringa