Effect of Diluted Red Sea Water on Growth Behavior and Chemical Component of Moringa Plants

Background: Moringa tree is a drought resistance tree, fast-growing, Moringa leaves, flowers and pods are a food source for human and animals. It is a rich source of calcium, iron and a good source of vitamins, B, A, C, amino acids. Shortage of water resources for irrigation especially in reclaimed soil considered is one of the great problems to cultivate traditional crops. Thus, nowadays the use of the non-traditional source of water, such as saline water is very important.

Results: The obtained data recorded that the lowest level of salinity (4000 ppm) decreased plant height, fresh and dry weight of leaves, the stem fresh and dry weight, stem diameter recorded decreased. Increasing salinity levels up to 16000 ppm high reduction was registered in the previously mentioned parameters except for leaves number. The interaction between salinity and proline concentration exhibited in most cases reduction in total chlorophyll. Carbohydrate content, protein, nitrogen%, calcium%, recorded reduction in most cases under saline condition and their interaction with proline. While, Sodium %, Cl- percentage and proline content recorded increments in most cases under the previously mentioned circumstances.

Conclusion: The results were nearly ascending order with increasing of salinity level. Increasing salinity to 16000 ppm decreased significantly the values of vegetative growth and almost all cases of chemicals constituents were reduced.