Effect of Shade on Xylem Development of Moringa oleifera (Alrawag) Seedlings

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of shade as a moderator of
light intensity and temperature on xylem development of seedlings of
Moringa oleifera. Three levels of shade were used: high shade, medium
shade and no shade. Four sequential harvests were carried out monthly for
the seedlings starting from four weeks after seed sowing. Cross sections
were prepared from the lower and middle parts of the stems at each
harvest and vessel volume fraction, vessel diameters, number of vessels
and volume fraction of lignified cells were measured. The results showed
that the effect of shade was significant on the anatomical variables.
Generally, the values of the anatomical variables of the stem wood of the
seedlings decreased with increased shade level. The findings indicate the
importance of shade to M. oleifera seedling development and that it
should be considered in nursery conditions.