Enhancement of Cabbage Yield and Quality Through Moringa Leaf Extract Application

A field experiment was conducted during the two successive winter seasons of 2022/23 and 2023/24 to evaluate the effect of moringa leaf extract (MLE) as a biostimulant on growth, yield, and quality of two cabbage cultivars (cv. Jumbo Cross and cv. Crossina) under two planting dates (October 15 and December 15). Four concentrations of (MLE) (0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%) were tested and applied either as seed soaking (for 6 h before transplanting) or as foliar spray after transplanting. Results indicated that (MLE) application significantly enhanced vegetative growth and yield components, including marketable head weight, head diameter, head height, leaf area, and chlorophyll a content, compared with the control. Cultivar, Crossina particularly when planted on October 15 and sprayed with 4% (MLE), recorded the highest marketable head weight (9.49 and 10.57 kg), head diameter (47.53 and 46.53 cm), head height (23.03 and 22.93 cm), leaf area (52.57 and 51.47 cm²), and chlorophyll a value (0.55 and 0.54) in the first and second seasons, respectively. In conclusion, applying 4% (MLE) either as a foliar spray or seed soaking proved to be an eco-friendly and effective practice for improving the yield and quality of cabbage under field conditions.