Low-temperature Tolerances of Moringa spp. Determined by a Logistic Model

Young shoots from three varieties of Moringa plants were used to determine their low-temperature tolerances. The electrolyte leakage rates of the leaves under cold stress were fitted in a logistic equation to calculate the semi-lethal temperature (LT₅₀) for the plants. The leakage rates were found to increase with decreasing temperature. When the low-temp treatments last 8 or 16 hours, the rate curves appeared in S-shape and fitted the model, LT₅₀ were obtained. The calculated LT₅₀ for the three cultivars decreased in the order of Moringa stenopetala > PKM1 > Moringa oleifera, indicating their abilities to resist low temperatures.