Research on Moringa oleifera Lam. cultivation in Togo.

摘要

M. oleifera is a multipurpose tree widely grown in Africa. Its seeds contain high quality edible oil and the residual presscakes from oil extraction can be used in natural water purification processes. However, M. oleifera is not intensively cultivated in Togo. As a basis for a plantation project, comparative studies of the agronomic potential of M. oleifera seeds from different origins (Togo, Senegal, Niger and Madagascar) and of the regeneration capacity of cuttings, depending on their size and maturity, was carried out during 1998 at Lome, Togo. The best germination rate was obtained for seeds buried at a 2-cm depth. Seeds from Madagascar had the highest germination rate (100%), while those from Togo had the lowest (80%); however, seedlings from Togo had far better growth. Cuttings exhibited high sensitivity to dehydration and termites. Cuttings longer than 1.5 m had the best survival rate and those which were lignified were more resistant than those which were chlorophyllous.