Basil Accessions Research Articles

Genetic diversity and population structure of Ethiopian basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) accessions using DArTseq markers

In Ethiopia, basil is the most widely used aromatic and medicinal herb. Despite being widely available across the nation and utilized for a variety of purposes for centuries, little is known about the degree of genetic variability in sweet basil. Thus, 62 basil accessions that were collected from various locations in Ethiopia were examined for genetic diversity and population structure, and genome-wide SNPs were created using genotyping by sequencing (GBS). The observed and expected heterozygosis are (0.01–0.02) and (0.13–0.33), respectively. The gene diversity index (GD) ranged from 0.13 to 0.29, with an overall mean of 0.13. Moreover, the polymorphic information content (PIC) varied from 0.23 to 0.37, with an average of 0.37. The Shannon index (I) ranged from 0.01 to 0.41, with an average of 0.12. A total variation of 90 % and 1 % within and among populations, respectively, was revealed using analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). Furthermore, genetic variation showed a coefficient of gene differentiation of 0.01 and a gene flow value of 2.013 among populations. The 62 basil accessions were divided into two genetic groups according to STRUCTURE analysis, unweighted pair group method (UPGMA), discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC), and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). This research confirmed the diversity and population structure of the Ethiopian basil. Therefore, the variation pattern in their genetic diversity can serve as a basis for the selection, breeding, and maintenance of basil in Ethiopia.

Comprehensive Morphometric and Biochemical Characterization of Seven Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Genotypes: Focus on Light Use Efficiency

The choice of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) genotypes determines key attributes such as yield, flavor, and adaptability, contributing significantly to the overall success and sustainability of basil cultivation practices. As the primary aim of this study, seven basil accessions were characterized for both their growth performance and biochemical profile of volatile compounds, enabling the differentiation among distinct chemotypes. As secondary objectives, growth performance and production were evaluated under natural solar radiation conditions (SR100) and with a 30% reduction in solar radiation using a net (SR70). Light use efficiency (LUE) determination revealed the plants’ biomass production capability under different solar radiation (SR) conditions. Genotypes A, B, C, and G were characterized by a high levels of linalool, which is typically associated with the “pesto” sauce smell. Lemon basil D exhibited a different chemotype due to the presence of neral and geranial. E and F displayed a different chemotype due to the higher concentration of α-bergamotene. The total fresh harvested biomass was significantly higher in SR70 than SR100 conditions. The second harvest in both SR conditions was the most productive one, while genotype E under SR70 displayed the highest yield. The landraces D and E showed the highest LUE values, indicating their capability in converting the solar radiation into fresh biomass. Plants grown in SR70 conditions registered significantly higher values of plant height, number of branches, and leaf weight. This work aimed to provide valuable insights into the selection of basil genotypes suitable for sustainable agriculture. Conversely, it lays the basis for cultivation aspects pertaining to the crop’s adaptability in peri-urban, marginal lands, which are characterized by limited solar radiation.

Evaluation of basil (Ocimum basilicum) accessions under different drought conditions based on yield and physio-biochemical traits

BackgroundBasil is one of the most famous herbs, which has broad usage as a fresh vegetable and therapeutic and pharmaceutical services. The main abiotic stress limiting basil production globally is drought. As a result, appropriate drought screening-which effectively separates high-yielding but drought-sensitive genotypes from drought-tolerant genotypes-is necessary for the optimal selection of high-yielding basil cultivars under drought stress conditions. So, a split plot experiment with three replications based on a completely randomized design were carried out in a pot under field conditions for this investigation. Water levels (full irrigation or control, moderate stress, and severe stress) were assigned as main plots, while 22 basil accessions were given as sub-plots. In this study, leaf yield as well as physio-biochemical traits had measured on accessions.ResultsOur results revealed large variation in yield, essential oil (%), protein, proline, chlorophyll, total phenol and flavonoids traits across the 22 accessions. The percentage of leaf yield reduction in moderate drought stress than normal conditions showed that G1 (−6.5%), G17 (−7.05%), G20 (−9.01%), and G12 (−10.9%) accessions had the least changes, respectively. Although in severe drought stress than normal conditions, the G1 (−32.01%), G12 (−33.12%), G4 (−33.24%), G7 (−34.11%), and G17 (−34.93%) accessions had the least amount of change in plant leaf yield, respectively. Furthermore, the highest yield reduction occurred in moderate and severe stress conditions in G18 (−25.36%) and G8 (−42.98%) accessions, respectively. Cluster analysis based on the ward method in both conditions (moderate and severe drought conditions) placed the accessions in three groups, and accessions were identified as tolerant, whose average traits in that group were higher than the total average. The principal component analysis also showed that in moderate drought conditions, the first two components explained about 95.28% of the total variation, while in severe drought conditions, these two components explained about 96.37% of the total variation.ConclusionsThe different multivariate analyses (cluster analysis, PCA, mean comparison) were used to identify tolerant and sensitive accessions based on all traits. The accessions G3, G4, G6, and G7 were found to be tolerant to stress, while G10, G15, G16, and G20 were found to be sensitive to drought. These accessions are a useful step in producing drought-tolerant, high-yielding accessions and can be utilized in breeding programs for basil.

Analysis of Antioxidant Capacity Variation among Thai Holy Basil Cultivars (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) Using Density-Based Clustering Algorithm

Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) is a widely renowned herb for its abundance of bioactive compounds and medicinal applications. Nevertheless, there exists a dearth of knowledge regarding the variability among holy basil cultivars capable of yielding substantial bioactive compounds. This study aims to address this gap by shedding light on the diversity of antioxidant capacities within different accessions of Thai holy basil by employing a density-based clustering algorithm to categorize the holy basil cultivars that demonstrate notable antioxidant potential. The study involves the analysis of the anthocyanin, flavonoid, phenolic, and terpenoid content, as well as DPPH antioxidant activity, in 26 Thai holy basil accessions collected from diverse locations in Thailand. Among the 26 tested Thai holy basil cultivars, terpenoids were found to be the dominant class of compounds, with average values of 707 mg/gDW, while the levels of flavonoids and phenolic compounds remained below 65 mg rutin/gDW and 46 mg GAE/gDW, respectively. The DPPH assay in holy basil cultivars demonstrated that the antioxidant activity ranged between 50% and 93%. After standardizing the data, the clustering results revealed four distinct groups of cultivars: the first group, with low antioxidant levels; the second group, with high terpenoid content; the third group, with high flavonoid, DPPH antioxidant activity, and phenolic content; and the fourth group, with elevated levels of anthocyanin, DPPH antioxidant activity, and phenolic content. A strong positive correlation was observed among DPPH antioxidant activity, flavonoids, and phenolics. Specific cultivars: The Red, OC108, and OC106 holy basil cultivars in cluster 4 exhibited high anthocyanin and phenolic production. In cluster 3, the accessions OC113, OC057, OC063, and OC059 showed high DPPH antioxidant activity, flavonoids, and phenolics, while, in cluster 2, only accessions from Udon Thani, Thailand—namely OC194 and OC195—displayed high terpenoid content. Ultimately, this study significantly contributes to the inherent diversity in the antioxidant capacities among various Thai holy basil cultivars. It lays the foundation for targeted breeding strategies and informed choices regarding consumption. The comprehensive insights from this analysis hold the potential to accurately identify holy basil cultivars with promising applications in medicine, functional foods, and the nutraceutical industry.

Comparative analysis of aromatic and nutraceutical traits of six basils from Ocimum genus grown in floating raft culture

The purpose of the research was to analyze the aromatic and nutraceutical features of six accessions of basil representing important morphological and commercial classes. The six basil types were five varieties belonging to the Ocimun basilicum L. species (namely: thyrsiflora, Cinnamon, Dark Opal, Italiano Classico, Purple Ruffle) and O. × citriodorum Vis., all growing in an hydroponic floating raft system. Ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatographic (UHPLC) analysis coupled with high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry (HRMS) identified and quantified 13 phenolics. Although the significant differences observed among the different basil types, cichoric acid was found to be the most abundant phenolic (277.912 mg kg−1 fw). Anise and Purple Ruffle had the highest phenolics, with the latter showing the highest antioxidant activities (DPPH•, ABTS•+, and FRAP). Hierarchical cluster analysis of the aromatic compounds analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC/MS) identify the similarity of the aromatic profiles of the six basils. While Italiano Classico and Dark Opal were characterized by higher linalool content and Anise, Cinnamon, and Purple Ruffle by estragole, Lemon had a preponderant aroma profile of α-citral and β-citral.

Agronomic, Sensory and Essential Oil Characterization of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Accessions

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is one of the main condiments for fresh consumption and essential oil production. The aim of the present work was to assess the agronomic characterization and analyze the essential oil of 63 basil accessions. The experiment was conducted in two stages in a greenhouse using vases and a hydroponic cultivation system. Oil extraction was performed employing the Soxhlet method. There was a significant variation in the agronomic characteristics among the evaluated accessions. The estimated total contents of essential oils ranged from 0.05 to 0.40%, and the major volatile fraction was methyl-eugenol. In the present study, accessions with superior performance compared to commercial varieties were found. Accession BL11 presented agronomic characteristics suitable for cultivation in a hydroponic system due to its better plant structure and late flowering. Accession BL24 stood out for essential oil extraction, producing 17.6% of linalool and a high intensity of color and odor. Accessions BL11 and BL24 presented market potential, given their higher mass productivity and higher essential oil yield, respectively. These accessions can be made available as new varieties in addition to being used in genetic improvement programs for this species.

Diversity of Ethiopian sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) germplasm for quantitative morphological traits

In Ethiopia sweet basil has been used for thousands of years as a culinary and medicinal herb. Although sweet basil is distributed widely throughout the county and boasts of centuries of cultivation and selection, the extent of morphological diversity is not well investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the morphological variability of sweet basil using quantitative morphological traits. Forty-nine accessions of basil were used in a 7 × 7 simple lattice design. Except for flowering stem length, which was extremely significant (P<0.01), fresh leaf weight, and seed weight, all morphological variables were shown to be very highly significant (P<0.001) by analyses of variance. The first four principal components were able to explain 75.53% of the total variation. Cluster analyses based on quantitative traits revealed four distinct clusters. The first, second, third, and fourth clusters consisted of 2.04, 44.9, 48.98, and 4.08% of the accessions, respectively. The highest inter-cluster distance was recorded between cluster III and cluster IV (351.5). The minimum inter-cluster distance was noted between cluster II and cluster IV (87.21). The maximum and minimum intra-cluster distances were recorded within clusters IV (84.18) and I (0). The intra and inter-cluster distance ranges were 0 to 84.18 and 87.21 to 351.5, respectively. Thus, the current study reveals that Ethiopian basil germplasm exhibits substantial genetic variability for a variety of horticulturally significant features that might be used in future breeding and conservation initiatives to increase the yield of sweet basil's essential oils and herbal products.

Bioactive Constituent and Eugenol Synthase 1 Gene of Thai Red Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.)

Red holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) is a commonly grown herb crop with diverse cultivars/accessions that contain highly ranked bioactive substances for medicinal potentialities. In this study, bioactive constituents and eugenol synthase 1 (EGS1) were characterized in Thai red holy basil. The compositions of the bioactive distilled from dried and fresh leaves and dried flower spikes were determined using headspace–solid phase microextraction–gas chromatography. Furthermore, a full-length of putative EGS1 was cloned from Thai red holy basil leaf tissue. The open reading frame of EGS1 contained 945 bp and encoded a 314-amino acid sequence. Phylogenetic analysis clearly distinguished two homology classes of EGS. EGS1 of red holy basil was closely related to that of white holy basil and lemon basil. Additionally, EGS1 expression in leaf tissue at the flowering stage was further assessed in ten local red holy basil accessions. EGS1 transcript levels were high, especially in aroma-rich accessions. EGS1 was expressed at higher levels in leaves than in flower spikes. Our study characterizes red holy basil in terms of both biochemical and gene information. This information can be used for further studies focusing on gene editing to increase the production of high-quality Thai red holy basil for the food and pharmacological industries.

Diversity of the VIR basil (&lt;I&gt;Ocimum basilicum&lt;/I&gt; L.) collection by morphological and phenological features

Relevance. Basil is one of the most popular aromatic plants grown in the world. Various species and forms of Ocimum spp. differ in the nature of growth, color and aromatic composition. The VIR basil collection is represented by 452 accessions of six species from 55 countries. The expansion of the assortment of basil, as well as the identification of competitive adaptive cultivars with high economically valuable traits, determines the need to study and identify promising species and forms of Ocimum spp. The purpose of our work was to study accessions of basil (Ocimum basilicum) from the VIR collection by morphological and phenological traits and to identify accessions that have a complex of economically valuable traits for further use in the breeding.Materials and methods. The studies were carried out at the Federal Research Center N. I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) at the VIR Pushkin and Pavlovsk Laboratories in 2019-2021 in open ground conditions. The material of the study was 66 accessions of the VIR basil collection of various agrobiological status and ecological and geographical origin. When analyzing the material, phenological observations, biometric measurements and morphological description of plants were carried out. These measurements were carried out in the phase of mass flowering.Results. As a result of the study, the degree of variability of the main phenological and morphological features was revealed. Accessions of basil were selected according to such traits as early maturity, plant height, weight of one plant and cold resistance, which can be used as starting material for breeding. The studied accessions are grouped into 7 varieties of two subspecies (subsp. basilicum and subsp. minimum): var. basilicum, var. glabratum, var. purpurescens, var. majus, var. diforme, var. minimum and var. chamaeleonicum, and their characteristics are given.

Physiological responses and variation in secondary metabolite content among Thai holy basil cultivars (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) grown under controlled environmental conditions in a plant factory.

Holy basil (Ocimum Tenuiflorum L.) is a widely used herb containing several bioactive compounds of interest for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Plant factories using artificial lighting (PFAL) is a modern agricultural system that offers opportunity to improve crop production and stabilizes productivity in many herbal plants. However, little is known about the variation among holy basil varieties that can be cultivated and provide reasonable biomass and bioactive compounds in PFAL. We therefore evaluated 10 Thai accessions and two commercial cultivars in a PFAL (with hydroponic cultivation) to categorize cultivar characteristics by investigating physiological responses and secondary metabolite variation at plant flowering stage. Among Thai varieties, net photosynthetic rate (Pn) was significantly highest in varieties OC059 and OC081. The greatest growth and biomass measures were observed in OC064. Antioxidant capacity also varied, with the greatest accumulation of total phenolic compounds (TPC), flavonoids, and antioxidant activity by DPPH assay in OC064, and highest terpenoid content in OC194. The accumulation of major compounds confirmed by showing the highest levels of eugenol in OC057, OC063, OC194, and OC195 and methyl eugenol in OC072 and OC081. The highest α-humulene content was found in OC059. PCA based on physiological responses and secondary metabolites indicate that OC064 was clearly distinguished from other cultivars/accessions. These findings demonstrate variation across holy basil accessions for physiologic responses, antioxidant capacity, and secondary compounds in PFAL. These insights lead to identification of suitable varieties which is the most important step of developing an efficient method for producing high quality raw materials of Thai holy basil for supplying the foods and pharmaceutical industries.

Traditional knowledge and field marker development for essential oil content using peltate gland trichome and leaf colour in basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Twenty-six accessions of sweet basil obtained from different parts of India were evaluated for morphological and quantitative characters. These accessions were observed for distinguish characters like trichome type, peltate gland (PG) size, sepal and flower colour, stem girth, branching pattern, growth habits and leaf colour. Besides that, they were observed for yield contributing characters viz., maximum plant height, spread, stem girth, fresh leaf, dry leaf, herbage yield and essential oil yield, and DOB-8W was found superior as compared to checks. Maximum number of peltate glands (PG) on abaxial leaf surface as compare to adaxial were recorded at all the three stages (young, mature and old based on leaf position on axis). However, PGs formation takes place only in younger leaves, therefore, the numbers of PGs were reduced in mature and older leaves due to expansion of leaf area with progression of age. Number of PGs on abaxial surface of young leaf, green leaf colour and essential oil content had positive relationship with each other. The green and purple colour intensity in leaf is to be field notch for initial screening of accessions for essential oil content.

Variation in aroma level of holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) leaves is related to volatile composition, but not trichome characteristics

Holy basil or tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) is an herb with a unique aroma in culinary uses. The aroma comes from volatile compounds in essential oils produced and stored in glandular trichomes. Different glandular trichome characteristics affect essential oil yield. Essential oil compositions and aroma levels vary among holy basil genotypes. However, relationships between aroma levels and trichome characteristics, as well as between aroma levels and essential oils, in holy basil have not been studied. Trichome characteristics, including types, diameter, volume and density, were not related to aroma levels of the five holy basil accessions studied in the present work. Eugenol, (E)-caryophyllene, and β-elemene were major constituents of the essential oils from leaves of most accessions, whereas methyl eugenol was found only in accessions with weak aroma. Based on the chemical compositions, accessions with low aroma level were clustered separately from those with higher levels. A similar result was also revealed by e-nose analysis. Our results demonstrate that major essential oil constituents appear to be responsible for the difference in aroma level between the holy basil accessions. Accessions with stronger holy basil aroma were rich in eugenol, while lacking in methyl eugenol, and could be distinguished from those with weaker aroma that were methyl eugenol-rich, but deficient in eugenol.

In-Vivo In-Vitro Screening of Ocimum basilicum L. Ecotypes with Differential UV-B Radiation Sensitivity

Elevated UV-B radiation (UV-B) has been previously reported to affect plant development, physiology, and promote the biosynthesis of UV-absorbing compounds. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an aromatic herb, widely cultivated worldwide for its use in the food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industry. This species exhibits high diversity among different ecotypes based on their geographical locations. There has been little research on intra-specific photosynthetic and metabolic differences in UV-B tolerance across ecotypes from different geographical areas. This study evaluated the protection responses to high UV-B radiation of nine O. basilicum accessions with different geographic origins. Specifically, the changes in chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters and the leaf rosmarinic acid (RA) compound were assessed using an “in vivo-vitro system” in a closed-type plant production system. Our results revealed a significant variation in UV-B protection mechanisms among accessions when plants were treated with high UV-B doses. The accumulation of RA increased significantly by UV-B light treatment in OCI142, OCI148, OCI30, OCI160, and OCI102, with the highest concentration measured in OCI160 plants. This ecotype showed the highest value of the Fv/Fm ratio, 0.70, after 48 h. Recovery of leaf functionality was more rapid in OCI160 than in other sweet basil accessions, which may indicate better photosynthetic capacity associated with enhanced biosynthesis of UV absorbing compounds. This study shows that the biosynthesis of the UV-absorbing compound (RA) represents an effective mechanism to reduce the photoinhibitory and photooxidative damage caused by high UV stress.

RESPON PERTUMBUHAN AKSESI KEMANGI PADA BERBAGAI KOMPOSISI PUPUK NITROGEN ALAMI

Basil is not only useful as a vegetable, but also has many medicinal properties. This encourages thedevelopment of environmentally friendly basil cultivation, through the use of natural fertilizers.This study aims to determine the response of various basil accessions to the composition of sourceN fertilizer derived from cow urine, kipahit (Tithonia) compost and Urea. The study was conductedwith a factorial completely randomized design. The first factor is the accession of basil, namelyKemang, Ciaruten, Cijujug and Gasol. The second factor is the combination of N fertilizer (10levels), namely 100% N-Urea, 100% N- cow urine, 100% N-kipahit, 75% N-Urea + 25% N- cowurine, 75% N-Urea + 25 % N-kipahit, 50% N-Urea + 50% N-urine cow, 50% N-Urea + 50%kipahit, 25% N-Urea + 75% N-cow urine, 25% N-Urea + 75% N - kipahit, 0% N-Urea + 0% Ncow urine + 0% N-kipahit. The dosage of N fertilizer used is 150 kg N ha-1. The results showedthat the accession of basil which showed good growth and production was 'Ciaruten' and 'Gasol'.The application of Urea fertilizer composition with kipahit compost and Urea with cow urineproduces better growth and production compared to the use of Urea fertilizer or organic fertilizerseparately.Keywords: basil, cow urine, kipahit compost

Growth and Production of Lemon Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Grown in Different Compositions of Urea Fertilizer and Cattle Urine

This study was aimed at assessing the effects of different rates of cattle urine and urea fertilizer and on the growth and production of three lemon basil accessions. A factorial completely randomized design with two factors was used. The first factor was the composition of cattle urine and urea fertilizer consisting of six levels, namely 100% cattle urine, 75% cattle urine + 25% urea, 50% cattle urine + 50% urea, 25% cattle urine + 75% urea, 100% urea, and 0% cattle urine + 0% urea. The second factor was lemon basil accession consisting of three levels, namely Bogor, Cianjur, and Sukabumi accessions. Results showed that Sukabumi acession had the highest number of leaves, leaf area, branch length, number of branches, branch diameter, fresh weight and dry weight. Urea and urine cattle compositions did not give significant effects on parameters measured. However, compared to no fertilizer tretament, other treatments gave significant differences in parameters measured. It was concluded that cattle urine could be used to substitute urea fertilizer.

Identification of Sweet Basil Accessions Rich in Herbage, Essential Oil, and Anethole Yield from India

ABSTRACTSixteen accessions of sweet basil obtained from different parts of India were studied for qualitative and quantitative characters. The highest oil percent in green herbage, essential oil yield, and anethole yield were recorded in DOB-1 at full bloom stage. DOB-1 leaves had the highest number of peltate glands (PG) at all three stages (young, mature, and old based on leaf position on axis); the lowest was observed in DOB-2. The number of PG and oil content were positively correlated; however, an inverse relationship was observed between leaf age and the number of PG. The extract from green herbage was compared for their chemical compositions through chemical profiling. The highest anethole were observed in DOB-1 at full blooming stage. Overall, the sweet basil accessions DOB-1 and DOB-5 were superior in herbage, oil, and anethole yield that can be used further in improvement programs.

Growth and Production of Lemon Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Accessions Grown in Different Compositions of KCl Fertilizer and Cow Urine

Lemon basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an indigenous plant which is commonly used as vegetable,medicinal herb, cosmetic ingredient, perfume ingredient, and food ingredient. This study was aimedat assessing the effects of the application of different compositions of KCl fertilizer and cattle urineon the growth and production of lemon basil accession. A factorial completely randomized designwith two factors was used. The first factor was the composition of KCl fertilizer and cattle urineconsisting of six levels, namely 100% R cattle urine 75% R cattle urine + 25% R KCl, 50% Rcattle urine + 50% R KCl, 25% R cattle urine + 75% R KCl, 100% R KCl, and 0% R cattle urine+ 0% R KCl. The second factor was lemon basil accession consisting of three levels, namely Bogor,Cianjur, and Sukabumi. Results showed that the composition of 25% R cattle urine + 75% R KCland 100% R cattle urine gave leaf area and total yield dry weight, respectively, which were higherthan those in other treatments. Bogor accession was found to have plant height, number of leaves,and length of branches which were significantly higher than those found in other accessions.Meanwhile, number of branches, leaf area, stem diameter, yield wet weight, and yield dry weightof Sukabumi accession were higher than those in Bogor and Cianjur accessions.Key words: Ocimum basilicum, leaf area, dry weight

Cold tolerance, productivity and phytochemical diversity in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) accessions

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a widespread cultivated aromatic herb in the world. Information about both morphological and phytochemical characterization is very important prior to beginning of any breeding project. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate diversity of sweet basil accessions in cold tolerance, essential oil yield and essential oil compositions. The average of cardinal temperatures for seed germination were 7.9 (Tb) 21.7 (To) and 35.5 °C (Tc) and for germination rate were 7.9 (Tb) 25.7 (To) and 39.7 °C (Tc). Cumulative temperature response index (C-CTRI) was used to identify cold-tolerant accessions and based on C-CTRI, Pishva I and Zahedan II were the most cold-tolerant accessions. There was wide variation for herbage yield and contributing traits of sweet basil in two sites. The highest herbage yield was observed in Isfahan III and Birjand I at the normal and salinity conditions. Salinity decreased herbage yield, but increased essential oil content in all accessions. The highest essential oil content was recorded in Malayer and Birjand I at the normal and salinity conditions. Methyl chavicol (25.7–93.0%) was the main constituents of the essential oils among sweet basil accessions. We found four chemotypes based on the presence or absence of oil components: (1) high methyl chavicol (>80%) like Reunion basils, (2) medium methyl chavicol plus linalool like European basils, (3) high methyl chavicol (70–80%) along with neral, geranial, or linalool (all of them around 10%), and (4) medium methyl chavicol plus neral and geranial. Considering the yield and quality traits, Birjand I was significantly superior accession over studied accessions and thus, it has good potential for the cultivation and production of methyl chavicol rich essential oil.

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Genetic diversity and chemotype selection in genus Ocimum

The present study was conducted to examin the genetic diversity and clustring pattern among twenty five accessions of basil. The highly significant ANOVA results indicated the presence of high amount of genetic variability which was also confirmed by the wide range of D2-values (0.074-212.97). The all accessions, grouped into seven divers clusters (I–VII). The intra-cluster divergence was maximum within cluster-VII (D2 = 43.32), the inter-cluster divergence was highest between clusters-II and VI (D2 = 155.59). The high genetic divergences among the accession were also confirmed by spatial distribution analysis. The contribution of the character towords the genetic diversity was highest for oil content 56.09% followed by plant height 18.94% and the lowest rank was recorded for the number of branches 7.55%. The highly divergent accessions namely, G-4, G-7, G-9, G-11, G-18 and G-25 may be exploited for further crop improvement for the development of high essential oil yielding Ocimum cultivars of better quality.