Changes in agricultural and technologic characteristics of some basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) genotypes at different plant growth stages and harvest periods

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the changes in yield, essential oil content, and composition of some basil genotypes during different growth stages. The research was conducted at Bursa Uludag University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops, in Turkey. Three basil genotypes (Largesweet, Midnight, and Malatya), three growth phases (the beginning of flowering, the 50% flowering, the end of flowering), and harvest numbers (1(st) harvest and 2(nd) harvest) were examined as variables in this study. A field trial was conducted using a three-level factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. For each growth stage, two harvests were made throughout the vegetation season. As a result of the study, the Malatya genotype showed to have greater values in terms of plant height, totally fresh, dry herb, and dry leaf yields (53.85 cm, 2224.03 kg da(-1), 334.75 kg da(-1), 157.01 kg da(-1), respectively) than other genotypes, whereas the Largesweet genotype had higher values in terms of essential oil content (0.53%). Higher values of agricultural characteristics were achieved in general at 50% flowering condition. The essential oil ratio was increased towards the end of flowering period. In all aspects, the 1(st) harvest outperformed the 2(nd) harvest. In terms of essential oil composition, Largesweet and Midnight cultivars were found to be of the linalool chemotype, while the Malatya genotype was of the linalool/methyl cinnamate Z chemotype.