Improving the growth and yield attributes of Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a green pod-bearing plant belongs to family leguminosae. Peas are highly rich in protein, manganese, dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B1 and folate. The high amount of vitamin K1 from green peas makes them very important for bone health. Peas are widely grown as a cool season vegetable crop. Pea plants are highly sensitive to the summer heat. Moringa leaf is also a rich source of ascorbates, carotenoids, phenolics, potassium and calcium which have plant growth promoting capabilities and are being applied as exogenous plant growth enhancers. Antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and glutathione, which are found at high concentrations in moringa chloroplasts and other cellular compartments, are crucial for plant defense against oxidative stress. It is therefore hypothesized that leaf extract from moringa, having a number of plant growth promoters, mineral nutrients and vitamins in a naturally balanced composition, which may promote the pea growth and extend its fruit bearing period. This study was conducted to monitor the impact of exogenous application of MLE (moringa leaf extract) on the growth and yield performance of pea.