The Effect of Plant Spacing and Cutting Interval on Growth of Moringa Oleifera

Two provenances of Moringa oleifera grown in Zimbabwe, namely Malawi and Mutoko were evaluated to determine the effect of plant spacing and cutting interval on plant growth. A split-split plot experimental design was set up with provenance as main plot factor, plant spacing as sub-plot factor and cutting interval sub-sub plot factor at Bindura University of Science Education’s research unit. The provenances were tested at two plant spacings of 15 cm x 15 cm and 20 cm x 20 cm, and two cutting intervals of 60 days and 75 days. The results showed that at first establishment, 90 days after planting, Mutoko provenance had higher (p>0.05) mean of plant height and root collar diameter. The 60 days cutting interval had the highest (p>0.05) plant growth performance for Mutoko provenance at each subsequent cutting to most of the growth parameters. At 75 days cutting interval Mutoko provenance demonstrated a higher (p>0.05) mean growth of sprout height. The Mutoko provenance is recommended for agroforestry, where fast growth in needed, because it was significantly different at all cutting intervals for growth parameter.