Effect of different vermicompost doses and water stress conditions on plant growth and biochemical profile in medicinal plant, Moringa oleifera Lam

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different vermicompost application rates on growth, protein and chlorophyll content in leaves of Moringa oleífera under water stress in a greenhouse experiment. Methodology: Soil samples and seeds were collected and characterized. Seedlings grown in a greenhouse in polyethylene bags with 4 kg of soil were subjected to water stress. After 90 days, agronomic variables, chlorophyll and protein content and peroxidase activity were estimated for each treatment and each condition in Moringa oleífera. Results: The results showed that under non-water stress conditions, the levels of vermicompost at a fertilization rate of 500 kg N ha'1 resulted in a significant increase in chlorophyll content, as compared to unamended soil. However, under waterlogging conditions, there was a significant difference between control and vermicompost treatments. Interpretation: The results indicated that addition of vermicompost to soil improved the growth and photosynthetic rate of Moringa oleífera under stressfree and water-deficit conditions. However, protein content only increased significantly when vermicompost was added at a fertilizer application rate of 500 kg N ha'1 both under waterlogging and deficit conditions.