Chemical composition and yield of essential oil from two sweet basil species (Ocimum ciliatum L. and O. basilicum L.) under different fertilizers

Iranian sweet basil (Ocimum ciliatum L.) and great sweet basil (O. basilicum L.) belonging to the family Lamiaceae are the most important aromatic, culinary and medicinal herbs, which widely cultivated in many countries. The areal parts especially, stem and leaves of sweet basil before flowering 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.

Experimental:

 Phytochemical response of two basil species to different fertilizers including C (control), CM (cow manure 20 ton ha−1), CM + CF (cow manure 20 ton ha−1 + chemical fertilizers N.P.K), CM + CF (cow manure 10 ton ha−1+ chemical fertilizers N.P.K), CF (chemical fertilizers, N.P.K), and VC (vermicompost) was evaluated in a factorial experimental based RCBD at the field, Southwestern Iran. The hydro-distillated essential oils were analyzed using GC-FID and GC/MS.

Results indicated that interaction effects of fertilizers and basil species had significant influences on some main components such as methyl chavicol (estragole), neral, and geranial. The maximum percentage of methyl chavicol was achieved from the applied CM in green basil. The highest value for essential oil yield was observed from the applied CM + CF.

Recommended applications/industries: 

The application of organic fertilizer can be a promising strategy in achieving sustainable production of medicinal and aromatic plants such as Iranian basil.