author(s)
Nwakuche Ozioma Adaugo, Uwagaga Peace Chiemela, Anukwuorji Chidozie Azubuike, Ikegbunam Nchedochukwu Clara and Ogbuozobe Gabriel Okwudili

abstract
Lycopersicon esculentum (Tomato) is widely consumed globally and of immense health benefits to man. The production requirements for this crop is rarely known. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of various concentrations of Moringa oleifera and Moringa lucinda on the germination and growth of Lycopersicon esculentum in different levels of treatment. The experiment was carried out in the screen house of Botany Department, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikwe University Awka, Nigeria for 4 weeks from August to September 2024. The data collected was subjected to One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and mean separation by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Growth parameters such as percentage germination rate, stem height, stem girth and number of leaves were measured after 1 week of germination. The results obtained showed that Moringa oleifera treated plants gave the highest (best) growth and yield in stem height in week 4. The percentage germination was at highest increase in plants treated with Morinda lucida. The control treatment gave the lowest productivity of Lycopersicon esculentum. This research showed that application of Morinda lucida leave extract can significantly improve germination of Lycopersicon esculentum, while Moringa oleifera proved to be a natural growth enhancer. The use of Moringa oleifera leaves and Morinda lucida leaves extracts is recommended for the timely germination and growth of tomato.