growth, development, maturation indices, proximate and mineral composition of moringa (moringa oleifera)

Purpose: moringa oleifera is a multipurpose plant. the growth curve would determine harvest date and maturity indices. analysis of proximate and mineral constituents would highlight nutritional and health benefits. research methods: investigations were conducted on growth curve parameters, maturation indices, proximate and mineral compositions of moringa plant parts (moringa oleifera) on fouryearold tress from 20162019. findings: the growth curve depicted a single sigmoid shape. pods harvested 25 days after flowering were immature (m1), with a lightgreen skin colour, firm, tender seeds, and light greenishcream flesh and seeds. pods attained horticultural maturity with optimum cooking quality 32 days (m2) postanthesis with corresponding maturity indices being firm, light greenishcreamflesh and well– formed seed. dried partially senesced overmatured pods (m3), harvested after 51 days, had a lightbrown dermal layer enclosing dark brown firm seeds with the highest fat and crude fiber being 200.3 g/kg and 314.5 g/kg. greentender seeds showed the highest crude protein content of 296.0 g/kg. immature leaves (l1) had the highest dry matter content while stage 2 leaves had the highest ash content. matured pods showed the highest moisture content. mineral contents of stage 3 leaves (l3) consisted of magnesium (4255.6ppm) while stage 1 leaves had the most iron (147.0 ppm) and potassium (30210.0ppm). leaves at stage 2 had the most sodium (2547.9 ppm) and boron (23.1 ppm). research limitations: limited cultivars.  originality/value: maturity indices on the growth curve confirmed the multipurpose nature of the moringa plant and benefits to the food and health industries.