Introduction and varietal screening of drumstick tree (Moringa spp.) for horticultural traits and adaptation in Taiwan.

摘要

Although the drumstick tree (Moringa spp.) is popular in many Southeast Asian countries, little information is available on its cultivation and adaptation in Taiwan. AVRDC initiated a small project in 2001 to introduce and evaluate number of Moringa accessions collected from countries including India, the Philippines, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, and USA. The major objective of the initial study was to introduce and evaluate Moringa species and accessions for growth characteristics and horticultural traits ideal for production and nutrition. A total of 50 accessions were collected and from this collection, 42 accessions representing four species (Moringa oleifera, M. stenopetala, M. drouhardii and M. peregrine) were germinated and transplanted in the field for seed multiplication, observation and characterization. Twenty-two accessions produced sufficient seeds for replicated evaluation trials and seed distribution. Ten promising accessions were selected and evaluated in replicated trials over a two-year period. Results showed that only three accessions mostly from M. oleifera have fresh young shoot yield averaging 20 t/ha in 2004. In the second year (2005) young shoot yield of all ten accessions increased ranging from 29.1 to 41.8 t/ha. Three accessions produced shoot yield of 40+ t/ha. Shoot yield of new planting in 2005 was almost similar to previous planting in 2004 suggesting that maximum shoot production was attained during the second season production. The initial study indicated that Moringa is well-adapted to the climatic and environmental conditions of Southern Taiwan and promising accessions are available for commercial cultivation.