Effect of Organic and Chemical Fertilizers on Growth Parameters and Essential Oil of Iranian Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Abstract

Basil belongs to the Lamiaceae family, is one of the most important aromatic and medicinal plants, which it widely cultivated in many countries. The areal parts, especially leaves of sweet basil are widely used to enhance the flavor of foods such as salads, pasta, tomato products, vegetables, pizza, meat, soups, marine foods, confectioneries and other products. This study was conducted to investigate the response of basil to different fertilizers (chemical and organic). Treatments consisted of different fertilizers including: F₁=C (Control, without any fertilization), F₂= CM (Cow manure 20 t.ha⁻¹), F₃=CM+CF (Cow manure 20 t.ha⁻¹ + chemical fertilizers), F₄= CM+CF (Cow manure 10 t.ha⁻¹+ chemical fertilizers), F₅=CF (Chemical fertilizers, N.P.K), F₆= VC (Vermicompost). This experiment conducted on randomized complete block design with three replications in Saman city, Southwestern Iran. Morphological traits and essential oil yield of the aerial parts of sweet basil (<em>O. basilicum</em>) were studied. From the results, it can be concluded that the application of different fertilizers has an influence on morphological traits, essential oil yield of the aerial parts of sweet basil. The highest values for plant height and dry weight (kg.ha^-1), were observed with application CM (cow manure 20 t.ha⁻¹), CM+ CF (cow manure 20 t.ha⁻¹ + chemical fertilizers), respectively. Among different fertilizer, the essential oil yield exhibited the greatest amount in CM+ CF treatment. In finally, the application of integrated manures mixture of organic (cow manure) and chemical fertilizer (20 t.ha^-1) can cause to improvement dry matter yield and essential oil content in sweet basil.