Growth, development, and yield of the usual basil (ocimum basilicum L.) under different cultivation conditions

Abstract

This article presents the results of research on the study of the growth, development and productivity of different forms and varieties (Ocimum basilicum L.) in different growing conditions and the content of essential oils in the aboveground mass of the plant. Presowing treatment of seeds of the studied basil samples increases their germination energy and germination capacity. Changes in the content of essential oils during plant ontogenesis and growing conditions were revealed. The greatest increase in essential oils was noted during the period of mass flowering, then their decrease is observed. The maximum amount of essential oils was found in the inflorescences (0.4-2.1%), then in the leaves (0.2-0.9%), and the smallest amount (0.05-0.1%) in the stems. The forms and varieties of purple basil are distinguished by a relatively high content of essential oil. The highest yield of leaves was formed by basil with large green leaves, which significantly exceeded all other studied varieties and samples.