THE EFFECT OF COCONUT WATER AND MORINGA LEAF EXTRACT ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF SHALLOTS

In Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, there are shallots as raw materials for the fried onion industry with the best quality. However, the main problem of productivity is still low (< 4 tons ha-1) as a result of the use of small bulbs (seeds) with low plant growth regulator (PGR) content to support their growth. Therefore, it is necessary to provide effective PGR in increasing the growth and yield of shallots, especially the Lembah Palu shallot variety (LPSV). One of the PGRs is natural PGR, including coconut water (CW) and moringa leaf extract (MLE). Both of these materials are pretty much available around the research site. This study aimed to know the effect of CW and MLE at various concentrations on the growth and yield of LPSV. This research was experimental and arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and three replications. The treatment was that the natural PGR types consisted of two kinds, i e, CW and MLE. Each natural PGR type consisted of five concentration levels, i.e., 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%. The results showed a significant interaction between PGR types and concentration affecting the growth and yield of shallots, including tillers number, tubers number clump -1, the tuber fresh weight clump-1, and tubers dried weight ha-1. The CW application at a concentration of 40% as a natural PGR showed the best effect to increase the growth and yield of shallots, while MLE up to a concentration of 100% was still a trend towards increasing. The research findings show that the PGR type of CW at a concentration of 40% provides the highest growth and yield of shallots. Besides, it is necessary to conduct further research on various sources of other natural PGR.