Optimization of seed rate and seedling establishment technique for raising the nursery of French basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Abstract

French basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is known for its high value essential oil as well as medicinal properties. The field experiments spanning over two years (2013 and 2014) were conducted to optimize the seed rate and seedling establishment methods in French basil in nursery beds. The experiment comprised two sources of nutrition, five seed rates, two sowing techniques and four depth of sowing. The seed requirement for one hectare plantation was minimum (195.0gha−1) under 0.8g seed rate sown in vermicompost treated soil whereas the land requirement was minimum (59.4m2) under 4.0g seeds m−2 sown in vermicompost. Though the number of successfully raised seedlings was highest (909.0m−2) in seed broadcasting method, growth and establishment of seedlings was superior in line sowing at 0.5cm seeding depth. The seed and land requirement for raising the nursery of French basil was minimum (234.1gha−1and 60.6m2) under broadcasting of seeds at a 0.5cm depth. After taking an integrated view of the experimental results, the seedling of French basil in nursery bed is recommended to be grown by using 0.8gm−2 seed after application of vermicompost @ 1kgm−2 in nursery bed at 0.5cm depth through line sowing technique.