Impact of Moringa and Seaweed Priming on Seedling Establishment, Early Leaf Development, and Nodule Formation in Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.)

Abstract

Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) productivity in Pakistan remains low due to weak crop establishment and frequent early-season stresses. Seed priming with botanical and seaweed-based biostimulants offers a simple way to boost early vigor without relying entirely on synthetic inputs. This field study was performed to examine the effect of moringa leaf extract (MLE) and Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract (SWE), on early growth of mung bean under semi-arid conditions. Seven seed priming treatments including MLE 1.5%, MLE 3%, SWE 0.2%, SWE 0.5%, MLE (1.5%) + SWE (0.2%), MLE (3%) + SWE (0.5%) and control (unprimed seed), each with three replications were evaluated to check their impact on germination (%), field emergence (%), seedling vigor index (SVI), nodules per plant, and leaf area at 20 days after sowing (DAS). All priming treatments increased germination compared to control (91.33%), with the highest values observed in MLE (3%) + SWE (0.5%) (97.00%) and MLE 1.5% (96.33%). MLE 3% and combination of both MLE (3%) + SWE (0.5%) improved seedling vigor index (SVI) up to 1747 and 1757, respectively as compared to control (1519). Emergence followed a similar trend, rising to 94.33% under MLE (3%) + SWE (0.5%). SWE positively impacted early nodulation and SWE 0.5% produced maximum (17.33) nodules plant⁻¹. MLE 1.5% demonstrated highest Leaf area at 20 DAS (200.44 cm²), while most other priming treatments slightly improved leaf area relative to the control. Given the findings of this study, seed priming with MLE and SWE without foliar application significantly enhances early growth, nodulation, and canopy development in mung bean.