Quality Management of Moringa oleifera for the Food Industry in Europe

“Moringa oleifera Lam. is a remarkably fast growing tree and highly valued plant due to its exceptional nutritional content. It grows in many tropical and subtropical regions… (and) can be grown under harsh conditions in hot, humid, and dry tropical and subtropical regions. The tree can produce substantial nutritional quality even under marginal conditions.

“The great potential benefits mean that there is a need to critically assess harvesting practices that optimise biomass production of moringa under different agroecological conditions. Planting density and frequency of cutting have been identified as critical management practices that affect biomass yield and leaf quality.

“The main objective of the study reported here was to establish, for the first time, the effect of planting spacing and cutting interval on aboveground biomass production and nutritional quality of Moringa oleifera under different climatic conditions in two study sites in northern South Africa.”

CONCLUSION:

“Planting moringa at a relatively high density increased biomass production. A planting density of 435,000 plants/ha resulted in enhanced biomass accumulation at all cutting intervals. Low temperature and drought had a negative impact on biomass production and nutritional composition of moringa, mainly iron content. Moringa can be harvested at a height of 50 cm above ground level, which facilitates mechanical harvesting, and while the stem is still pliable. The crop is able to supply livestock with a satisfactory amount of crude protein, and the tree is rich in other nutrients, making it a potentially valuable source of feed supplement at times when there is not enough natural fodder due to drought. Moringa is capable of producing a good yield at a relatively high density of plants. Moreover, it is desirable to consider fertilizer application to boost plant growth and the chemical composition of the aboveground plant parts in high temperature and rainfall areas. Moringa proved to be a good source of fodder for livestock, is able to survive harsh growing conditions, and can be recommended to resource-poor smallholder farmers in regions such as Limpopo. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the use of fertilizer under diverse weather conditions and soil types on behalf of those farmers who are willing and able to grow the plant on a larger or commercial scale.”