Growth and development of Greek basil variety Medinette in greenhouses and shade netting

Abstract

Growth parameters were evaluated in plants of Ocimum basilicum L. variety Medinette, in two indoor production environments: a greenhouse and a shade net. Plant height, number of branches and leaves per plant, and leaf area were measured. Growth parameters such as leaf area index (LAI), relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) were estimated up to 45 days after transplanting (ddt). The plant and its organs showed sigmoidal growth in the two protected environments. Growth kinetics, height, number of leaves and branches produced per protected environment showed significant differences (P≤ 0.05), these parameters being higher for plants grown in shade netting. The physiological efficiency parameters showed an IAF of 0.53 and 1.28 for plants grown in greenhouse and shade net, respectively. The CRT presented the maximum value (0.14 mg mg-1 day-1) at 35 ddt for plants grown in shade net. The TAN was 0.078 mg cm2 day-1 for plants in the shade net. Temperature and relative humidity conditions in the greenhouse caused a reduction in growth and physiological efficiency indices in basil.