Growth Of Basil Research Articles

Mild-Intensity UV-A Radiation Applied Over a Long Duration Can Improve the Growth and Phenolic Contents of Sweet Basil.

UV-A radiation (320–400 nm) is an abiotic stressor that may be used to enhance the production of beneficial secondary metabolites in crops such as leafy vegetables. However, tradeoffs between enhanced phytochemical contents and overall growth/yield reductions have been reported. The responses varied depending on the UV-A intensity, spectral peak, exposure time, species, and varieties. We quantified the changes in growth, morphology, photosynthesis, and phenolic contents of sweet basil grown under a base red/blue/green LED light with four supplemental UV-A intensity treatments (0, 10, 20, and 30 W·m−2) in an indoor environment over 14 days. The objective was to determine whether UV-A radiation could be utilized to improve both yield and quality of high-value sweet basil in a controlled production environment. Biomass harvested at 14 days after treatment (DAT) was highest under mild-intensity UV-A treatment of 10 W·m−2 and lowest under high-intensity UV-A treatment of 30 W·m−2. The total leaf area and the number of leaves were significantly lower under the 30 W·m−2 treatment than under the 10 and 20 W·m−2 treatments at 14 DAT. The maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) for photochemistry (Fv/Fm) showed a gradual decrease under the 20 and 30 W·m−2 treatments from 3 to 14 DAT, whereas Fv/Fm remained relatively constant under the 0 and 10 W·m−2 treatments over the entire 14 days. The leaf net photosynthesis rate showed a significant decrease of 17.4% in the 30 W·m−2 treatment compared to that in the 10 W·m−2 treatment at 14 DAT. Phenolic contents (PAL enzyme activity, total phenolic concentration, and antioxidant capacity) were the highest under the 20 W·m−2 treatment, followed by the 10, 30, and 0 W·m−2 treatments. Overall, our results indicate that the biomass production and accumulation of beneficial phenolic compounds in sweet basil varied depending on the intensity and duration of UV-A application. Mild UV-A radiation (10–20 W·m−2) can be a beneficial stressor to improve sweet basil yield and quality over relatively long-term cultivation.

Growth and shelf life of basil in response to selenium fertilization

Selenium is essential for human metabolism and its enrichment in vegetables plays an effective role in providing the body with selenium requirements. This factorial experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at Shahrekord University in 2019 to study the effects of selenium on basil growth and shelf life in the conditions of feeding with poultry manure (PM) and chemical fertilizers (CF). Experimental factors included two types of soil amended for plant nutrition (PM and CF) and five selenium concentrations (0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6 mg L − 1) applied as foliar sprays. The results showed that shoot fresh weight in plants receiving PM was 16.6% more than CF fertilizers and foliar application of selenium had no effect on fresh weight. In the PM applied conditions, with the increase of selenium, the chlorophyll b content increased and then decreased. Increasing selenium improved its accumulation in the basil tissue, and the amount of selenium accumulated with poultry manure was more than that accumulated with chemical fertilizer. Whereas, the greatest weight loss in storage was observed in high selenium concentration. In plants receiving PM, increasing concentration of selenium sprays improved the shelf life, then decreased. However, in the amended soil with CF, the shelf life did not change by selenium, except in 1.5 mg L − 1 concentration. It is concluded that the foliar application of moderate amounts of selenium in poultry manure conditions helps to produce more basil, relatively good enrichment of selenium in plant tissue and maintain its optimal quality during the storage.

Design and development of lamp of adjustable spectrum

Nowadays artificial light is used in many areas of human life. Dedicated lighting allows to emphasize selected features of technical and biological objects, stimulates the growth of plants or enhances the attractiveness of products or artistic works. In this paper a developed low-cost lamp with an adjustable spectrum was presented. As light sources, several LEDs of both narrow-band and wide-band spectrum were selected. A multi-channel Raspberry PI was applied for LEDs driving and ensuring the user’s interface. To properly mix light from several different LEDs, a dedicated integration sphere was used, covered with paint based on barium sulfate. Full Text: PDF ReferencesD.L. DiLaura, K.W. Houser, R.G. Mistrick, G.R. Steffy, The lighting handbook (Illuminating Engineering Society 2011). DirectLink CREE Inc, Cree® 2835 LEDs Product family datasheet, (accessed 19 February 2022). DirectLink F. Szabó, R. Kéri, J. Schanda, P. Csuti, E/ Mihálykó-Orbán, A study of preferred colour rendering of light sources: home lighting, Lighting Research and Technology (Epub ahead of print 2014). CrossRef M. Feldzensztajn, P. Wierzba, A. Mazikowski, "Examination of Spectral Properties of Medicinal Plant Leaves Grown in Different Lighting Conditions Based on Mint Cultivation", Sensors 21, 4122 (2021), CrossRef S. Barbut, "Effect of illumination source on the appearance of fresh meat cuts", Meat Science 59(2), 187 (2001), CrossRef A.J. Knulst, R. Mooijweer, F.W. Jansen, L.P. Stassen, J. Dankelman, "Indicating shortcomings in surgical lighting systems", Minim. Invasive Theor. Apllied Technol. 20(5), 267 (2011). CrossRef C.M. Browning, M. Parker, T.C. Rich, S.J. Leavesley, "Illuminating the optical properties of an LED-based spectral light source for hyperspectral endoscopy", Proc. SPIE 11636, 1163608 (2021) CrossRef H.C. Wang, Y.T. Chen, J.T. Lin, C.P. Chiang, F.H. Cheng, "Enhanced visualization of oral cavity for early inflamed tissue detection", Opt. Expr. 18 (11), 11800 (2010). CrossRef D.H. Larsen, E.J. Woltering, C.C.S. Nicole, L.M.F. Marcelis, "Response of Basil Growth and Morphology to Light Intensity and Spectrum in a Vertical Farm", Frontiers in Plant Science 11, 597906 (2020) CrossRef T. Cegielski, D. Bujalski, K. Kowalczyk, J. Gajc-Wolska, L. Hemka, Proc. Electrotechn. Inst. 63 (273), 79 (2016), CrossRef A. Mazikowski, M. Feldzensztajn, Proc. SPIE 10445, 10445OK (2017). CrossRef A. Llenas, J. Carreras, "Arbitrary spectral matching using multi-LED lighting systems", Opt. Eng. 58(3), 035105 (2019). CrossRef F.J. Burgos et al., "Image and Signal Processing", Lect. Notes Comput. Sci. 8509, 115 (2014), CrossRef M. Feldzensztajn, A. Mazikowski, "Comparison of modelling and measurement results of spectra emitted by a programmable lamp", Photon. Lett. Poland 10(2), 42 (2018), CrossRef CIE, Publication No. 127, Measurement of LEDs (Central Bureau of the CIE, Vienna, Austria, 2007). DirectLink N. Kington, B. Bugbee, A Mixture of Barilium Sulfateand White Paint is a Low-Cost Substitute Reflectance Standard for Spectralon (Utah State University, 2005), DirectLink

Effect of NPK-SRFS on the Growth, Yield and Essential Oil Composition of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.).

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Basil (<i>Ocimum basilicum</i> L.), an aromatic herb, is considered one of the most important crops with essential oils as well as other bioactive compounds. Basil leaves have tremendous pharmaceutical benefits and are used for foods. Slow-release fertilizers have been developed to optimize the fertilization of crops. This work aims to discover the effect of NPK Slow-Release Fertilizer Coated by Starch (NPK-SRFS) at different rates on growth, yield and essential oil components of basil grown on the field in Northern Vietnam. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Basil seedlings, sown from seeds, were used as plant materials. NPK-SRFS was stocked in the Faculty of Chemistry, Hanoi Pedagogical University 2. The experiments were designed in a fully randomized block model, consisting of four treatments with different rates of NPK-SRFS. Each treatment had three replicates with an area of 8 m<sup>2</sup>. Duncan's Multiple Range Test was being used for statistical analysis (p = 0.05). <b>Results:</b> All 3 NPK-SRFS treatments significantly increased the number of buds and leaves per plant compared to the control. However, NPK-SRFS at different rates affected diversely plant height and leaf area of the basil. F5.0 and F10 treatments accelerated chlorophyll content as well as Fv/Fm value in comparison with none NPK-SRFS treatment. The application of NPK-SRFS at different rates caused slightly different changes in basil essential oil composition, especially the content of Methyl Chavicol, the most abundant oxygenated monoterpene and α-trans-Bergamotene, the most abundant sesquiterpene hydrocarbon. <b>Conclusion:</b> The present study provides further insight into the influence of NPK-SRFS on the growth, yield and essential oil components of basil.

Growth and metabolism of basil grown in a new-concept microcosm under different lighting conditions

To simulate a typical market-oriented cultivation in laboratory, plants of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) were grown from seedling to flowering stages in a new-concept microcosm device that enables roots and aerial parts to grow as under real crop conditions. To test the device efficacy, two microcosms were used with the same lighting architecture, temperature and photoperiodic conditions and with two different light spectra, white (W) or blue-red (BR), displaying a similar spectral power in the blue region. Plant growth, biomass yield, photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient uptake were determined. An innovative analytical approach for secondary metabolic profile was also developed to determine basil quality. The plants grew vigorous and healthy for the whole cultivation period and under both the lighting regimes, giving a biomass yield similar to those of basil grown under conventional greenhouse and field conditions. The two lighting regimes differently affected plant growth and yield, with the BR light, that was characterized by a higher photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), associated to higher plants, earlier flowering and greater yield. In the average, fresh and dry aerial biomasses per plant were about 250 g and 41 g under BR and about 114 g and 9 g under W light. Higher concentrations of major nutrients were detected in plants under W light, thus indicating that yield levels and major nutrient concentrations are not necessarily related to each other. Similar Fv/Fm (0.76–0.78) and ETR values were observed under the two light regimes, possibly indicating that plants under long lasting cultivation can adapt to different light regimes to reach similar photosynthetic efficiency levels. Different secondary metabolic profiles were detected in tissues sampled at the end of cultivation period and previously unreported profiles for basil were also recorded, possibly indicating that the extent of plant growth affects secondary metabolism in basil, in addition to light spectrum and PPFD level. This is the first report of basil grown under microcosm conditions from seedlings to adult plants. Our results indicate that the microcosm based-technology is effective in simulating a typical market-oriented cultivation and that long lasting cultivation emphasizes the effects of different environmental conditions on plant growth and metabolism.

Effect of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria and Rhizofungus on the Growth of Hairy Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.f. var. citratum Back.)

In this study, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and plant growth promoting fungi (PGPF) were isolated from soil adhered to the roots of herbs. PGPR and PGPF isolates were selected for producing microbial inoculant as a starter culture for bio-fertilizer production. The screening of PGPR and PGPF was performed using the spread plate technique on the selected medium. Total plant growth promoting microorganisms (PGPM) were composed of 72 isolates, nitrogen-fixing microorganisms: 39 isolates, phosphate-solubilizing: 11 isolates, and potassium-solubilizing: 22 isolates. Two bacterial isolates, S-K7-2 and S-P7-1, had the highest plant growth promoting abilities, and a fungus isolate, Di-K7-2, was able to produce the greatest amount of IAA, which was 45.17 μg IAA equivalent/ml. The isolates were tested on hairy basil seed germination. Treatment using microbial cell dissolved in sterile distilled water had the greatest potential for stimulating the growth of seed and presented 145.26% of GI, followed by 82.87% where the treatment was with IAA standard. The study of the effect of PGPR and PGPF on hairy basil growth found that the highest biomass was shown in treatment 3, peat supplemented bacteria (S-K7-2, S-P7-1), which indicated that rhizobacteria immobilized on peat was able to enhance the growth of hairy basil and had better potential for promoting plant development compared with chemical fertilizer treatment.

Effect of LED on growth and quality of sweet and purple basil, parsley and coriander

Effect of LED on growth and quality of sweet and purple basil, parsley and coriander

Effects of daily light integral on growth and nitrate content of basil grown for indoor gardening

Effects of daily light integral on growth and nitrate content of basil grown for indoor gardening

Light quality affects growth and nutrient content of basil

Light quality affects growth and nutrient content of basil

HBFT-아쿠아포닉 시스템 내 독립 및 종속 미생물의 적용에 따른 시베리아 철갑상어 (Acipenser baerii), 바질 (Ocimum basilicum) 및 엽채류 4종류의 성장과 수질변화

Aquaponics is a cultivation system that combines aquaculture and agricultural hydroponics. This study investigated water quality changes and growth of fish (siberian sturgeon) and leafy vegetables (basil and four leafy vegetables) through the use of nitrifying autotrophic bacteria alone (Auto+CO2)and the mixed use of heterotrophic and autotrophic microorganism (Hetero+HBFT) in operation of aquaponic system. After basil stocking (5-8 weeks) in EXP1, Auto+CO2 experimental groups showed rapid water quality stabilization for about 2 weeks compared to Hetero+HBFT groups, but the lattergroups showed significantly higher growth of both fish and basil (P0.05).. In EXP2 (9-12 weeks), the growth factors of fish and 4 kinds of european lettuce cultivars in Hetero+HBFT experimental groups were higher than Auto+CO₂ groups. In hematological ananlysis [hematocrit (PCV, %), hemoglobin (g/dL), GOT (U/L), GPT (U/L), ALB (g/dL), GLU (mg/dL), plasma Na, K, Cl (mEq/L) and inorganic phosphorus (mg/dL)] between two experimental groups, all items were not significantly different at the end of the experimental period (P0.05). This study shows that for aquaponics water quality management, it is more effective to use it in combination with heterotrophic bacteria rather than autotrophic bacteria alone to stabilize water quality.

Effect of organic fertilization on productivity of some newly introduced basil varieties under Siwa Oasis conditions

Effect of different polyamines on some physiological traits, growth, and development of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in salt stress under hydroponic culture conditionsKhatereh Nejadasgari Chokami, Vahid Abdossi, Saeid Samavat, Alireza Ladan Moghadam, Pezhman Moradi

Response of Growth and Yield of Basil (Ocimum Sanctum L.) to Several Concentrations of Liquid Organic Fertilizers and Growth Regulators

This research was conducted to determine the interaction of combination treatment of liquid organic ferilizer and growth regulators with different concentrations on tthe growth and yield of basil plants (Ocimum sanctum L.). The research was carried out in March-May 2021 in Doko village, Blitar. The treatments were arranged in a factorial randomized block design (RAK Faktorial). The treatments in this study included 2 factors which were repeated 3 times. The first factor is the application of liquid organic fertilizer which consists of 3 levels, namely 0 (control), 5, and 10 ml/liter. The second factor is the application of growth regulators which consists of 3 levels, namely 3, 6, and 9 ml/liter. The variables observed included plant height, number of eaves, number of branches, and fresh weight. The results of the analysis of variance showed that there was a significant effect on the combination of dosages of liquid organic fertilizer and growth regulators on all observation variables, namely plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, and fresh weight. The best treatment combination is shown by the application of liquid organic fertilizer 10 ml/liter and growth regulators 9 ml/liter.

Evaluation of seed priming on germination and growth of basil (Ocimum basilicum L. cv. 'Genovese')

The priming method is a technique that can greatly improve seed performance and provide high-quality seeds for successful production. In this study, the effect of hormopriming (GA3 and IAA), halopriming (MgSO4 and KNO3), osmopriming (AA, H2O2) and hydropriming (H2O) on the germination, as well as initial stages of growth and development of basil (Ocimum basilicum L. cv. 'Genovese') were investigated. The application of different priming methods not only improved the germination performances of basil, but also significantly influenced the growth of seedlings (root length, shoot length, fresh mass, and vigor index) with the best results achieved by priming with GA3 and H2O2. In addition, it has been found that the concentration of photosynthetic pigments and soluble protein content can be improved by the appropriate priming treatment. The most favorable effect on the examined parameters was achieved during treatment with H2O2.

Effects of organic fertilisers on growth, yield and nutritional content of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is one of the major essential oil-producing species used in culinary and fragrance applications. However, there is a dearth of information pertaining to its organic production in the country. A field study laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was conducted at the Horticulture Farm, Luyengo Campus, University of Eswatini to assess the effects of organic fertilisers on the growth, yield and nutritional content of basil. This study consisted of four treatments replicated four times. The organic fertilisers used were chicken manure, kraal (cattle) manure and compost. The rates of application were 40 t/ha for the manures. Chemical fertilizer 2:3:2 (22) + 0.5 Zinc (Zn) and limestone ammonium nitrate (LAN 28%) were included at application rates of 150 kg/ha basal dressing and 100 kg/ha LAN top dressing, respectively. The results showed that the type of organic fertilizer applied affected the growth and yield of sweet basil. A trend in the superiority of the different types of organic fertilisers was observed as chicken manure exhibited higher values of the number of leaves (134.2), branches (78.6), leaf area (30.2 cm2)) and chlorophyll content (68.2 CCI), fresh leaf mass (355 g), and fresh mass of basil plant (691 g). Kraal manure was the second, followed by chemical fertilizer and lastly compost. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in P, K, Mn, Cu, and Zn content due to the application of different organic fertilisers. Calcium, Mg and Fe showed significant (p < 0.05) differences among the treatments. The use of chicken manure in the production of basil should be encouraged because its application resulted in relatively higher growth and yields compared to the other fertilisers. Keywords: Organic fertilizers, growth, basil, medicinal properties, mineral content.

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization and Foliar Spraying of Iron and Zinc on Growth, Yield and Chemical Composition of Basil (Ocimum basilicum Var. Genovase) Plant

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization and Foliar Spraying of Iron and Zinc on Growth, Yield and Chemical Composition of Basil (Ocimum basilicum Var. Genovase) Plant

Response of Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Growth and Yield to Planting Densities and Row Arrangements in Tomato-Basil Intercropping System

Wondo Genet area, which is located in the Sidama zone of south Ethiopia, is characterized by a rapidly increasing human population and scarcity of arable land per household. There is a need for developing an efficient cropping system to use the limited land efficiently and to enhance food security. An experiment was, therefore, was conducted at Wondo Genet Agricultural Research Center under irrigated during the 2018 cropping season to examine the growth and yield of sweet basil under different planting densities and row arrangements in tomato-sweet basil Intercropping System. The experiment was conducted with two basil row arrangements (one tomato row alternating with one basil row (1T:1B) or with two basil rows (1T:2B)) and four basil population densities (66666, 50000, 33333 and 16666 plants.ha<sup>-1</sup>) factorial arrangement in RCBD with three replications each consisting of ten treatments. Results of the study indicated that the row arrangement by planting density interaction significantly influenced the yield of basil with the maximum dry herbal (341.49 kg.ha<sup>-1</sup>) and essential oil (22.86 kg.ha<sup>-1</sup>) yields were recorded at 100% basil population density with a 1T:2B row arrangements. The cropping system significantly influenced the essential oil content and essential oil yield of basil. The highest essential oil content (1.26%) and essential oil yield (21.83 kg.ha<sup>-1</sup>) of basil were obtained at sole planting compared to that of intercropping (0.96%) and (15.36 kg.ha<sup>-1</sup>) with tomato showing 23.81% and 29.64% reduction, respectively. Therefore, intercropping 100% basil population in tomato by 1T:2B row arrangements could be recommended for Wondo genet and similar agroecology area, based on its better compatibility and productivity.

Micronutrients Biofortification (Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn) Improves the Growth, Yield, and Chlorophyll Contents of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Grown On a Near Neutral Soil

Consumption of nutritional food could help alleviate malnutrition among people in developing countries such as the Philippines. Sweet basil is a nutritional food which supplies vitamins, particularly A, B and minerals such as Fe, Mn, and 6, Mg. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn biofortification on the growth, yield, and chlorophyll contents of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) under pot experiment. All of the pots, except T (control), 0 were applied with the recommended rate of NPK for sweet basil (60-60-60 kg ha ), together with the varying levels of micronutrients such as Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn -1-1 (applied at 4, 8, and 12 kg ha ). The results of the study revealed that the application -1 of Zn at 4kg ha enhanced the plant height, root length, fresh and dry root weight of sweet basil. The higher number of primary branches and chlorophyll contents were -1 obtained from treatments applied with 12 kg ha Mn. The addition of Fe with 4 to 12 -1 kg ha increased the fresh weight of leaves and herbage yield. Cu biofortification at -1 4kg ha enhanced the herbage weight and yield of sweet basil. These results show the beneficial effects of micronutrient biofortification on the growth and yield parameters of sweet basil as well as its chlorophyll contents. Meanwhile, the amounts of Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn in the soil were likewise enhanced with the addition of these nutrients. In return, the availability of these micronutrients for plant uptake was also enhanced.

Co‐application of wood distillate and biochar improves soil quality and plant growth in basil (Ocimum basilicum)#

AbstractBackgroundNowadays, an ever‐increasing attention toward eco‐friendly and sustainable agricultural practices, such as the use of biological fertilizers that do not alter the ecological balance of soil, has been grown worldwide.AimTo evaluate the effect of wood distillate (WD), biochar (B), and their combination (BWD) in increasing soil biomass, soil biological activities, and plant growth in basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) by determination of plant biomass.MethodsPlants of basil were cultivated in greenhouse with three different amendments. WD was applied at a 1% dilution through fertigation. B was applied at a rate of 2% (w/w) corresponding to 34 t ha–1. Organic carbon (OC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), soil microbial biomass carbon (MB‐C), and enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, phosphatase, arylsulfatase, β‐glucosidase, and urease) were determined at the end of the cultivation period (4 weeks) in bulk soil and in the rhizospheric soil. The alteration index three (AI3), which calculates the balances between three enzymes and potentially allows to quantify in relative terms the differences between soils due to different management practices, was also determined.ResultsWD and B significantly increased OC and MB‐C content, whereas B preferentially retains soil DOC species and the organic substance of the WD in the BWD treatment. Phosphatase and urease activities were the most increased with the combination of the two amendments. AI3 in controls suggests that the application of WD and B at the right doses promotes the activity of soil microorganisms, enhancing the soil biological quality.ConclusionThe presence of the two organic sources increased the availability of nitrogen and phosphorus, with a positive response in terms of basil dry biomass. WD and B have been confirmed as suitable and sustainable amendments for potential application in crops cultivation.

Evaluation of different artificial light technologies for indoor aquaponic production of Bibb lettuce, Lactuca sativa var. capitata, and compact basil, Ocimum basilicum var. Genovese

AbstractAquaponic production in temperate climates is often conducted in insulated buildings to reduce heating costs and therefore must rely on artificial lighting to replace natural sunlight. However, there are several different light technologies available to producers. We conducted two aquaponic growth trials to compare four lighting technologies for the indoor production of Bibb lettuce, Lactuca sativa var. capitata (Trial 1), and basil, Ocimum basilicum var. Genovese (Trial 2). Light types evaluated included metal halide (MH), fluorescent (FLO), light‐emitting diode (LED), and induction (IND). Using a complete block design, each of the four identical aquaponic systems included all four light types. Juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, (Trial 1:145 g; Trial 2:169 g) were stocked into each replicate system and fed at a rate of 60 g feed m−2 of plant grow‐space per day. In Trial 1, Bibb lettuce plants grown under LED lights had significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) average individual weights (164 g), higher production per unit area (3118 g m−2), and higher production per unit energy (84 g m−2 kWh−1) compared to those grown under the other light types. Bibb lettuce grown under IND and FLO lights had significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) average individual weights (82.0 and 78.0 g, respectively) and production per unit of area (1762 and 1700 g m−2, respectively) than those grown under MH lights (1382 g m−2). In Trial 2, Basil grown under LED lights had significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) average individual weights (188 g), production per unit area (4970 m−2), and production per unit of energy (1483 g m−2 kWh−1) than basil grown under the other three light types. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in average individual weight or production per unit area among basil plants grown under MH, IND or FLO. Analysis of leaf tissues indicated several statistically significant differences among the light treatments. However, the actual magnitudes of these differences were relatively small. Evaluation of emitted wavelengths indicate that production differences may be related to the amount of red light spectra (600–699 nm), and the ratio of red light to blue light (400–499 nm) (R:B ratio) produced by the different light types. The LED had a greater production of red spectra and higher R:B ratios than other lights which appears to be advantageous for growth of Bibb lettuce and basil.

Beneficial microorganisms enhance the growth of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) under greenhouse conditions

The integration of healthy management alternatives continues to be a challenge in the organic production of aromatic and medicinal plants, including of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of three beneficial microorganisms (1) Trichoderma harzianum (TH), (2) Bacillus subtilis (BS), (3) Glomus cubense (GC) and their combinations on the growth of basil. A completely randomised design was used with a control and seven treatments with six repetitions. The control (1) was with no microorganism inoculation and the seven treatments were inoculations with the single or the combined microorganisms as follows: (2) TH, (3) BS, (4) GC, (5) TH+BS, (6) TH+GC, (7) BS+GC and (8) TH+BS+GC. Three harvests of fresh biomass were made and a number of growth variables were recorded: fresh and dry biomass, leaf area, number of commercial stems, stem length and thickness, Leaf length and width, relative chlorophyll concentration (SPAD readings) and the levels of N, P, K, Ca and Mg. Overall growth increased by 58% with TH+GC compared with the control and by 55% compared with the single inoculations (TH, BS and GC) and with the triple inoculation (TH+BS+GC). A growth increase of 51% was obtained with BS+GC compared with the control and of 38% compared with the other treatments. These results indicate co-inoculation of TH+GC or of BS+GC are useful alternative managements to increase greenhouse production of basil.