Agronomic performance and essential oil composition of Ocimum basilicum L.: Effect of genotype and date of harvest

• Published in: Advances in Horticultural Science
• Main Authors: A. Vazquez, E. Sanchez, C. van Baren, D. Frezza
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Firenze University Press 2013-12-01
• Subjects: Green basil; purple basil; soiless culture; volatile oils; yield
• Online Access: https://oaj.fupress.net/index.php/ahs/article/view/18410

An experiment was conducted to assess the agronomic performance and essential oil composition of Ocimum basilicum L (basil) with two genotypes during autumn-winter cycle, in a hydroponic system in greenhouse. Genotypes (i.e. green and purple) were provided to study productive parameters. Two harvest dates and both genotypes formed treatments to investigate oil composition and its stability. One pruning was made before the last harvests. Results of fresh and dry weight (g. plant-1), absolute growth rate (g. day-1) and relative growth (g. g-1.day-1) and yield (g. plant-1) showed great differences in comparison with the optimal growing season values. Although pruning encourages new growth, it was strongly reduced in purple basil. Essential oil composition varied for both genotypes and between harvest dates. Linalool prevailed at the first harvest date whereas methyl-eugenol increased towards the second harvest date, and significantly in purple basil. Radiation and temperature data showed a downward trend during the cycle which influenced biomass production and essential oil composition. Green basil had better productive behavior than the purple variety. Essential oil stability between harvest dates varied for both genotypes. Pruning strongly affected purple basil growth which altered essential oil composition. The findings presented in this study confirm that it is possible to grow basil in autumn-winter season in greenhouse. Although yield slightly decreases in comparison with optimal growing season, high quality aromatic plants can be obtained.