The effect of drought stress on some morphological and physicochemical characteristics of three cultivars of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Document Type : Full Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Departement of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

2 , Ph.D. Student, Departement of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

3 Instructor, Center of Pomegranate Research, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

4 Assistant of Prof. Departement of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

Abstract

This research was conducted to assay the effect of different levels of irrigation on morphological and physicochemical characteristics of three cultivars of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, 2012. The pot experiment was performedas a factorial based on randomized complete design with four replications. The factors included three commercial cultivars of basil (Comin Hoja Larga, Rubi, Genoes) and three levels of drought stress (100, 75, 50% FC). The results showed that cultivars had significant effect on plant height, dry and fresh weight and oil content. Also different levels of drought stress had significant effect on the number of branches, fresh weight and oil content. Studied cultivars showed different physiological response to drought stress. As cultivar Comin Hoja Larga could well tolerate 50% FC three weeks before harvesting time. High chlorophyll b content (0.51 mg/g fresh weight) was observed in severe stress (50% FC). In order to product maximum oil content (0.75), severe stress (50% FC) in same condition is recommended.

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