Effects of variety, planting pattern and plant density on essential oil percent and essential oil yield of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

In order to evaluate the effect of varieties, planting patern and plant density on essential oil percent and essential oil yield of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) this research carried out in factorial design in the basis of randomized complete blocks design with 3 replications in 2008.It was considered variety in two levels: green and purple, planting pattern in 2 levels double and single rows and plant density in four levels: 40, 60, 80 and 100 plants per square meter.The results showed that, simple effect of variety, plant density and interaction effect of planting pattern and variety on essential oil percent was significant in the %1 level. Interaction effect between variety and plant density, planting pattern and plant density was significant at 5% level.Evaluation of essential oil yield showed that the simple effect of planting patterns, plant density and interaction of variety, planting pattern and plant density were significant at %5 level. Double interaction effect indicated that double rows and 40 plant per square meter with %0.36 and 48/67 kg/ha produced maximum amounts of essential oil percent and essential oil yield alternatively. Triple interaction effects showed that highest essential oil percent with 0.44 belonged to purple basil, double planting pattern and 40 plants per square meter and maximum amount of essential oil yield with 54.56 Kg/ha counducted in purple basil, double planting pattern and 40 plants per square meter were identified as the best treatment.