Effect of moringa leaf extract on the mineral composition of radish (Raphanus sativus) storage organs and green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) pods

I. Bertling, M.C. Mabaso
One of the major challenges in agriculture, besides enhancing food production, is to provide essential minerals and nutritional compounds for the maintenance of health and proper organ function. Humans require more than 22 mineral elements, some of them required in large amounts (Ca, K, Na, Mg, P and K) and others, such as Fe, Zn, Cl, Cu, I, Se, F and Mn in trace amounts. Vegetables play a significant role in human nutrition, especially as a source of dietary fibre, minerals, vitamins and other phytochemicals. While consumption of Moringa oleifera has been recorded to convey various health benefits, moringa leaf extract (MLE) has also been investigated as a means to affect the nutritional composition of various crops. The effect of two MLE concentrations on the mineral composition of various parts of radish (Raphanus sativus) and green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) plants was, therefore, investigated. Findings showed that, particularly the higher MLE concentration, significantly increased (p<0.05) the mineral concentration of radish and green bean plants. Application of MLE extract could, therefore, be used to enhance the mineral concentration of vegetables, increasing the contribution of such vegetables to a healthier diet.
Bertling, I. and Mabaso, M.C. (2021). Effect of moringa leaf extract on the mineral composition of radish (Raphanus sativus) storage organs and green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) pods. Acta Hortic. 1306, 193-200
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2021.1306.24
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2021.1306.24
mineral elements, moringa leaf extract (MLE), radish, green beans
English
1306_24
193-200

Acta Horticulturae