Humus materials and Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) Leaf Extract Modulate the Harmful Effect of Soil Salinity Stress in Sudan Grass (Sorghum vulgare L.)

The effect of application different components of humus (humic acid and fulvic acid) and foliar spraying with Moringa leaf extract on Sudan grass vegetative criteria, some physiological and biochemical properties grown under three levels of soil salinity was conducted. Two pot experiments were carried out under the greenhouse conditions at the farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Egypt, during the growth season 2014 and 2015. Data indicated that salinity stress condition significantly decreased plant height, shoot fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll a, b and caroteniods, photochemical activity, RNA, DNA, total carbohydrates and total sugars, while increment of antioxidant enzymes, i.e., peroxidase (POX) and catalase (CAT). Application of two humus component and foliar spraying with Moringa leaf extract overcome the harmful effects of salinity stress on the above mentioned criteria of Sudan grass compared with untreated plants. Humus components and Moringa leaf extract were helpful in improving these criteria at three cuts under different salinity levels. The highest value of the above mentioned criteria was observed with application of the humic acid + fulvic acid and spraying Moringa leaf extract, while the lowest one was recorded under the control treatment.