International Journal of Noni Research - Noni Family

53 Intl. J. Noni Res. 2007, 2(1-2)
D.R. Singh et al. Morinda citrifolia L. – An evergreen plant for diversification in commercial horticulture
intensity of 44382 lux, maximum temperature (31.93 0 C), minimum
temperature (27.03 0 C) and RH (77.1%) and also under shaded condition.
The vegetative growth of plants were superior under open condition in terms
of plant height (58.50 cm) with 4 branches and of reproductive growth with
bud initiation on 32 days after planting and fruit production on 42 days after
planting whereas the plants grown under shaded condition revealed to be
having a height of 54.50 cm with 2 branches/plant.
Effect of cow dung on sprouting of cuttings
Within 13 days, 60% sprouting was observed after application of cow dung
whereas in control the sprouting took about 15 days with 30% sprouting.
Effect of hollow and non hollow cuttings on sprouting
The findings of the study revealed that the sprouting initiated within15 days
in case of non - hollow cuttings and 20 days in case of hollow cuttings. About
50% sprouting was noticed in case of non - hollow cuttings and about 40%
sprouting in case of hollow cuttings. Maximum (79.44%) plants were able to
survive in case of non - hollow cuttings whereas in case of hollow cuttings
the survival percentage was 62.78%.
Phytochemical properties
a) Nutrient composition
The chemistry of Noni was investigated extensively by various scientific groups.
A plethora of phytochemical constituents have been identified in the leaves,
bark, stem, flowers and fruits of the plant. Noni fruit specifically is a rich
source of phytochemical constituents, which demonstrate bioactivity.
The fruit of Morinda citrifolia L. is a powerful detoxifier. It removes the
toxins from cells of our body. It builds and strengthens every cell of our body
to stay healthy. Researchers have discovered more than 150 neutraceuticals
in the fruit of Morinda citrifolia L. Noni fruits appear to stimulate the
production of T-cells, macrophages and thymocytes, thereby enhancing immune
function. And in animal studies, Noni fruit extended the lives of mice with
cancer.
Various experimental studies were carried in the laboratory and the results
revealed that in Morinda citrifolia L., Potassium, content was maximum in
fruits (1226 ppm) followed by leaf (1219 ppm) while it was in very little in
wood and bark. But in leaves, the calcium and magnesium contents were