engleski

Effects of biodynamic production on growth and essential oil content in basil

Effects of biodynamic sowing calendar on growth (plant height, fresh herb yield, nodes number) and quality (percentage of leaves mass, essential oil content) of 3 basil species, Ocimum americanum L., Ocimum × hybrida and Ocimum basilicum L., represented with cultivars “Rosso” and “Eco Genovese” were tested. Statistical analyses showed that the species had greater impact on the observed parameters than the sowing date or species and sowing date in combination. Species showed a significant influence on all five tested parameters, while sowing date and interaction of both factors significantly influenced plant height, leaf percentage and essential oil content. The best yield per plant was obtained for O. x hybrida and O. basilicum “Genovese”. The lowest species O. x hybrid produced the highest amount of essential oil. “Nodes number” parameter most clearly separated the species, but not the cultivars. Even though O. americanum gave the highest plants, it did not yield either the highest amount of fresh herb or essential oil. This species’ height was most consistent, considering the significant impact of biodynamic rhythm. Sowing date was not crucial for basil fresh yield, however in case of need for higher plants with higher percentage of leaves mass and more essential oil, sowing date needs to be controlled.

biodynamic production; essential oil; Ocimum americanum L.; Ocimum basilicum ‘Eco Genovese’; Ocimum basilicum ‘Rosso’; Ocimum × hybrida; sowing calendar

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