ABSTRACT
Leaves and fruits of species in the family Moringaceae are used to contribute seed protein and essential nutrients for human and livestock, and to enrich soil nutrients, purify water and provide antipathogen activity. The leaves and fruit of moringa are rich source of many phytochemicals, antioxidants, phenolics, several nutrients, and minerals, fiber, vitamins, amino acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Tamarind leaf, seed, and fruit are an easily accessible, inexpensive or free food resource for people in developing countries where tamarind is found. Development of molecular and biochemical markers for the selection and introduction of new cultivars of moringa and tamarind with desirable traits in leaves, seed, and fruit is in progress. In tamarind, low soil moisture availability results in premature leaf fall, shoot tip burning, and abortion, fruit and flower drop to maintain the internal plant water balance and thus avoid drought.
