ASSESSMENT OF THE GERMINATION AND EARLY GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF MORINGA UNDER SALINITY STRESS

The study investigated the effect of varying levels of salinity stress (Sodium Chloride, NaCl) on the germination and early vegetative growth of Moringa oleifera seedlings. The experiment employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three primary salinity concentrations: 50 mM, 100 mM, and 150 mM NaCl, alongside a control (0 mM). Data were recorded weekly for germination percentage, plant height, and leaf number. Results demonstrated a significant and progressive negative correlation between increasing NaCl concentration and all measured growth parameters. Germination percentage was highest in the control (95.0\%) and drastically reduced to 40.0\% at the highest concentration (150 mM). Similarly, continuous exposure to 150 mM NaCl severely inhibited vegetative growth, resulting in the lowest average plant height (7 cm) and leaf number (3.5). The plant displayed a physiological response to combat oxidative stress by significantly enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and POD) under the highest salinity level. This study concluded that NaCl stress poses a major constraint on Moringa establishment and early growth; therefore, appropriate soil management and genetic selection are necessary for its successful cultivation in saline-affected areas.