- by Hope G. Patricio (completed August 2015)
ABSTRACT
Twenty Moringa accessions were tested for adaptability under Central Philippines conditions. These consisted of Me-2, Mo-3, Mo-4, Me-5, Mo-7, Me-8, Mo-9, Mo-12, Mo-15, Ma-20, Mo-39, Mo-33, Mo-34, Mn-35. Mo-37, Mo-38, Mo-40, N (local variety), and Ms (Moringa stenopetala). Ms seeds came from West Africa while N was locally sourced and served as control. Seeds of 18 other accessions were obtained from AVRDC-TWVC. Results showed that Mo-33 and Mo-38 had statistically the lowest germination percentage compared to other 18 accessions All accessions did not significantly differ among each other in terms of survival percentage which was 100% for all except Mo-4 which had only 90%. Mo-34 and Mo-40 were consistently and significantly the tallest from two to eighteen WAE. Me-12 on the other hand, was consistently the shortest based on similar observation periods The number of leaves of the 20 accessions were statistically similar for the whole duration of the study except on the sixth and the eighth WAE during which the most number of leaves were developed. Some red mites and leaf miners were observed from the seedlings but the degree of infestation was negligible. No disease infection was noted on the seedlings. It can be concluded that the 20 Moringa accessions are adaptable to Central Philippines conditions. This is substantiated by their high survival percentages, good resistance to pests and diseases, and relatively high germination percentages.