Bio-Stimulant and Nitrogen Fixating Efficacy of Leaf Extract on the Early Growth of Adansonia digitata Linneus for Nursery Development

Slow initial growth of baobab seedlings presents a significant challenge for widespread cultivation and productive plantation establishment. Synthetic growth promoters often carry environmental risks, prompting the exploration of eco-friendly alternatives. This study evaluates the bio-stimulant and nitrogen-fixing efficacy of leaf powders derived from locally available plants to enhance the growth of Adansonia digitata seedlings during nursery development. This research focused on the application of Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), Senna (Senna semia), and Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) leaf powders as growth promoter. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications were used to assess the impact of these treatments on shoot height, stem diameter, leaf number, and leaf area. Results revealed that Moringa leaf powder significantly enhanced all growth parameters. Seedlings treated with Moringa showed the highest increase in shoot height, reaching 6.23 cm, compared to 3.6 cm in the control group. Similarly, Moringa-treated seedlings exhibited the most substantial leaf production, with up to five leaves per seedling. Bitter Leaf and Tamarind treatments also demonstrated moderate effects with Bitter Leaf improving shoot height and leaf number, while Tamarind slightly increased leaf area and stem diameter 2.43 cm and 20.27 mm respectively. The findings emphasize the potential of plant-derived bio-stimulants as sustainable alternative to synthetic growth enhancers. The use of these bio-stimulants not only improves seedling vigor but also aligns with environmental sustainability goals by reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers.