The effect of foliar application of iron on some biochemical and photosynthetic characteristics of Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum)

Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) is one of the important medicinal plant belongs to Lamiaceae family. In order to evaluate the effect of foliar application of iron on iron and chlorophyll contents and photosynthetic parameters of holy basil, an experiment was conducted at research farm of Department of Horticultural Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz based on randomized complete block design, with six treatments and three replications. The treatments were control, nano iron chelate (0.5, 1 and 1.5 g.l-1) and iron chelate (1 and 1.5 g.l-1) fertilizers. The results showed that the effect of foliar application of iron fertilizers was significant on iron and chlorophyll contents, stomatal conductance, transpiration, net photosynthesis and quantum yield. The highest iron content, stomatal conductance, transpiration and quantum yield were observed in plant sprayed with 1 g.l-1 nano iron chelate. The highest values of chlorophyll, cartenoid and net photosynthesis were obtained in plant sprayed with 1.5 g.l-1 nano iron chelate. The lowest values of mentioned traits were observed in control treatment. Eugenol, 1,8-cineol and methyl chavicol were the main oil components. Overall, in regard to obtained results, for increasing mentioned traits of holy basil, foliar application of nano iron chelate with 1 g.l-1 is recommended.