Organic plant bio-stimulant for early, enhanced and healthy growth of chili seedlings

The growth and productivity of plants mainly depend on the available nutrients and its uptake by plant roots. Bio-stimulants could amend plant’s physiological processes to improve the nutrient absorption and optimize its consumption. Research on the potential new sources of plant bio-stimulants to increase crop yield and quality despite of environmental stresses has gained wide attention recently. This research is aimed to explore natural and organic sources of plant bio-stimulants such as moringa leaves extract (MLE) and endophytic bacteria isolated from moringa roots to promote seed germination and seedling growth of chili. Various extraction methods using methanol, ethanol and distilled water were compared to select the best extraction method of active components in moringa leaves that could enhance chili growth along with phytochemical properties such as polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidants that could help to alleviate abiotic stresses. Pre-screened endophytic bacteria with plant growth promoting traits were also tested for its ability to increase the growth of chili seedlings. The effects of moringa leaves extract and endophytic bacteria as a bio-stimulant on chili were determined using analyses such as nutrient content, chlorophyll content, root length, leaf area, root biomass and aboveground biomass of the seedlings. Plant bio-stimulants that boosts nutrient absorption and nutrient use efficiency could also help to reduce the wastage of mineral fertilizers. Hence, organic plant bio-stimulant plays a vital role in the advancement of safe and sustainable crop cultivation.