Physiological Responses of Moringa (Moringa stenopetala L.) Seedlings to Drought Stress under Greenhouse Conditions, Southern Ethiopia

Background and Objective: Moringa stenopetala L. is a plant called miracle plant due to its adaptability and versatility in use. However, in spite of its marvelous importance, the plant has got little attention for research based on stress physiology. Therefore, in this study, pot experiment was conducted to investigate the chlorophylls concentration, Leaf gas exchanges, stomata traits and leaf water status responses of Moringa stenopetala L. accessions seedlings to drought stress under greenhouse condition. Materials and Methods: The experiment was consisted of 3 accessions (Konso, Arba Minch Zuria and Humbo) and 4 drought stresses (daily, 5 days interval, 10 days interval and 15 days interval watering) assigned in completely randomized design with 3 replications. Results: The accession “Arbaminch Zuria” was higher in all parameters except stomata number. Regarding to water stress, the experiment shown that, increased water stress reduced all parameters except stomata number. Additionally, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and leaf relative water content were significantly influenced due to the interaction effect of accession and drought stress. Accession “Arbaminch Zuria” grown under daily watering was higher in all traits those indicated significant due to interaction. Conclusion: Therefore, Arbaminch Zuria can be taken as a better accession both under stressed and unstressed conditions for production of moringa seedling. Furthermore, study is still needed on more indigenous and exotic accession under different drought stress for longer periods of time as a perennial crop.