Effect of soaking durations of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) seeds in selected plant extracts on germination, growth, and medicinal compound content

The experiment was carried out in one of the plastic houses of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, during the fall season of 2023–2024, with aim of the study germination, plant growth, and biochemical attributes of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) seeds as treated with various Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) extract soaking durations and concentrations. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications was used. The study included two factors: the first was seed soaking duration (12, 24, and 36 hours), and the second was treatment with plant extracts. These extracts were: fenugreek extract at concentrations of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 g L⁻¹, and Moringa extract at the same concentrations. Seeds were then planted in trays to obtain seedlings, and the required measurements were recorded. Results showed that the interaction treatment T3M7 produced the highest germination percentage (100%), while T2M8 recorded the fastest germination rate (3.327 days seed⁻¹). The interaction treatment T3M4 gave the tallest seedling height (16.13 cm), whereas T3M3 recorded the highest number of leaves and fresh plant weight (10.500 leaves plant⁻¹ and 4.857 g, respectively). The treatment T2M3 gave the highest values for dry weight (1.096 g), dry matter percentage (383%), total chlorophyll concentration, nitrogen, protein, and phosphorus content (21.14%, respectively). Regarding soaking duration, treatment T2 resulted in the highest germination percentage (86.67%), germination speed (3.891 days seed⁻¹), and dry weight (0.939 g).