Basil Research Articles

Summer Weed Management Strategies for Saffron Crocus in the Northeastern United States

Saffron is an extremely high-value spice made from the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus). The saffron crocus flowers in the fall, grows vegetatively during the winter and spring, and is dormant during the summer. It is native to the Mediterranean region and most of the global saffron crop is produced in the Mediterranean and western Asia. Summer rainfall is rare in these regions. However, saffron crocus is becoming increasingly popular as a niche crop in the northeastern United States and other areas where summer rainfall is common. This study evaluated four methods of weed control during summer dormancy to determine the relative costs and the effects on saffron yield. Hand cultivation (HC) was the most expensive method and resulted in significantly decreased saffron yields. Covering the saffron crocus field with a light-proof plastic tarp (occultation) was the least expensive and had no effect on saffron yield. Annual planting of saffron crocus also had no effect on saffron yield but required more labor than occultation. Intercropping basil (Ocimum basilicum) resulted in the highest revenue per unit area and did not negatively affect yields of either saffron or basil. Based on this study intercropping is recommended for summer weed management for producers seeking to maximize revenue per unit area, while occultation is recommended for producers seeking to minimize production costs.

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of 'Nufar' basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) essential oil from three municipalities of Tolima, Colombia

Essential oils are natural compounds with great potential to be used as products with high antioxidant activity. The aim of this research was to determine the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the Nufar variety basil essential oil from three municipalities in Tolima, Colombia. The essential oil extracted from the leaves of this basil variety using microwave-assisted extraction predominantly comprises linalool (37.9–41.1%), estragole (24.5–33.6%), and 1,8-cineole (5.2–7.6%). The quantities of these compounds are influenced by the plant's place of origin. Regarding antioxidant activity, the basil essential oil cultivated in the municipality of Honda shows higher antioxidant activity in the DPPH and ABTS·+ tests (29.89 ± 4.03 and 9.60 ± 1.74 mg/mL, respectively), compared to the values from the municipalities of Mariquita and Espinal. The Principal Component Analysis applied to the data generated biplots that explain 99.8% of the total variation. These indicate that the essential oils from basil grown in the municipality of Espinal are characterized by having a high IC50 (mg/mL) in the DPPH test. On the other hand, the essential oils of basil cultivated in the municipalities of Honda and Mariquita are distinguished by their high content of monoterpenes and total terpenes. The study concludes that the geographical location significantly impacts the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of basil plants.

Optimizing Basil Seed Vigor Evaluations: An Automatic Approach Using Computer Vision-Based Technique

The short cultivation cycle and high essential oil content of basil plants render them a valuable raw material source for diverse industries. However, large-scale production is hindered by the lack of specific protocols to assess seed vigor; thus, a consistent supply of high-quality seeds that meet consumer demands cannot be ensured. This study investigated the effectiveness of an automated system for seedling analysis as a tool for evaluating basil seed vigor and compared it to traditional tests. For this purpose, seeds from eight commercial lots were evaluated in two separate trials spaced six months apart using the following tests: germination, first germination count, saturated salt accelerated aging, primary root emergence, mean germination time, seedling emergence, seedling emergence speed index, and computerized seedling image analysis. The parameters provided by the system allowed us to clearly and objectively classify the basil seed lots based on vigor, and the results were strongly and significantly correlated with the findings of traditional vigor tests, particularly between the vigor index and seedling length. Digital analysis of four-day-old seedlings proved to be a fast and efficient technique for evaluating basil seed vigor and has the potential for use in automating the data collection and analysis process.

When Light Is Crucial, but Wind Is Rather Trivial: A Basil Case Study

Light intensity and wind are critical environmental factors of abiotic stress on plants, triggering a considerable number of morphological and physiological responses. This study tested the hypothesis that different light and wind conditions (full sunlight ± wind, shade ± wind) would affect the leaf content of photosynthetic pigments and anthocyanins, as well as the plant height, the fresh and dry weight of the aboveground part, and Water-Use Efficiency on Ocimum basilicum plants. About 16 days after the application of the different conditions, all leaf pigments of the shaded plants exhibited increased contents compared to the lightened ones. Subsequently, this response was enhanced until the 39th day, which was the final day of the experiment. Furthermore, shaded plants grew taller, although their fresh and dry weight and Water-Use Efficiency were lower than that of the corresponding lightened ones. On the other hand, wind did not have any effect on pigment content. Concerning the plant growth indexes, reduced values were observed on the wind-treated plants. The above results demonstrate a considerable effect of light intensity while the applied wind seems to be mild enough to induce important plant responses, partially confirming the hypothesis studied.

Effect of intercropping apple trees with basil (Ocimum basilicum) or French marigold (Tagetes patula) on the rosy apple aphid regulation (Dysaphis plantaginea) and the abundance of its natural enemies.

In a global context of pesticide reduction, the sustainable management of aphids is a major challenge in maintaining economically viable fruit production. Intercropping with companion plants (CPs) that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with repellent or attractive properties could be successful in the laboratory. Still, their effects on the orchard have been little documented. We tested in 2018 and 2019 the hypotheses that the introduction of basil or French marigold, decreases the populations of Dysaphis plantaginea Passerini, the rosy apple aphid (RAA) and increases the abundance of its natural enemies (NEs) in an apple orchard in the south of France. Laboratory tests confirmed that both CPs altered RAA reproduction performance. In orchards, they attracted more NEs around the pots and at some dates in the aphid colonies near the pots in both years (apart from basil in 2019), without a significant reduction in aphid populations in 2018. In contrast, in 2019, the number and spatial expansion of aphid colonies were significantly lower, close to basil. Further investigation is needed to disentangle the mechanisms explaining the observed effects (e.g., repellent action in autumn, etc.) but the results highlight the potential of CPs to control aphids in orchards and contribute to agroecological production of apple. Thus, this study shows the potential of CPs in a strategy combining aphid repellency and NEs attraction to control aphids in orchards, provided that CP installation lasts over several consecutive years. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chemical composition and inhibitory effects of essential oils of two Lamiaceae of GHARDAIA province (southeast of Algeria): Ocimum basilicum L and Rosmarinus officinalis L.

Chemical composition and inhibitory effects of essential oils of two Lamiaceae of GHARDAIA province (southeast of Algeria): Ocimum basilicum L and Rosmarinus officinalis L.

Comparative Efficacy of Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum gratissimum Essential Oils Against Cyclas puncticollis Infesting Sweet Potatoes in Burkina Faso

Aims: The aim of the present study was to compare the insecticidal effect of the essential oils Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum gratisiimum on the sweet potato weevil Cyclas punticollis. Study Design: The aim of this approach was to contribute to the management of the sweet potato weevil in Burkina Faso. Place and Duration of Study: The experiments were carried out at the INERA Entomology laboratory in Bobo-Dioulasso during the cropping season 2022-2023. Methodology: Five essential oil concentrations (25; 50; 75; 100 and 125 μL/L) were used. Toxicity tests were carried out by fumigation in jars by depositing a charge of essential oil on a 6 cm disc of filter paper. Batches of ten C. puncticollis adults were introduced into the jars containing a fresh, healthy tuberous root of the sweet potato and immediately closed. Each test was repeated five times. The number of dead insects in each batch (treated and untreated jars) was counted every 30 min up to 5 h of exposure and for 4 days (24 h, 48 h ,72 h and 96h) per observation. Results: The results showed that the different oils had an insecticidal effect on C. puncticollis and that these oils contained chemical substances responsible for the mortality observed. Indeed, mortality rates of 100% were observed after 2 hours of exposure of the weevils with the 125µL/L concentration of O. gratissimum, followed by concentrations of 100µL/L, 75µL/L, 50µL/L after 24 hours and 48 hours with 25µL/L. With O. basilicum essential oil, 100% mortality was observed after 24 hours of weevil exposure with O. basilicum concentrations of 125µL/L and 100µL/L, followed by 98% mortality with concentrations of 75µL/L, 50µL/L and 25µL/L after 96 hours. Conclusion: These results suggest that the essential oils of Ocimun gratissimun and Ocimun basilicum can be used in the management of C. puncticollis. However, it would be necessary to carry out a concrete application of these oil extracts on large potato stocks in order to confirm or not their efficacy.

Hatching Egg Sanitizers Based on Essential Oils: Microbiological Parameters, Hatchability, and Poultry Health

Background: Eggshell contamination threatens the viability of hatching eggs. This contamination can be caused by harmless, opportunistic, or pathogenic bacteria. Although necessary, the use of synthetic antibiotics to treat eggshells can present several significant problems: They can be toxic and damage the shell, and, most worryingly, they can lead to bacterial resistance. Faced with these challenges, the objective of this research was to create and test a sanitizing plan for hatching eggs using essential oils derived from Citrus aurantifolia (CAEO), Ocimum basilicum (OBEO), or Allium sativum (ASEO). Methods: Sanitizing solutions containing specific concentrations of these essential oils were prepared, and their antimicrobial properties and contributions to poultry safety and hatching parameters were investigated. Results: The bacterial load was reduced in eggshells sanitized with essential oils, and the degree of bacterial inhibition, along with their safety profile, may be directly related to optimal hatchability rates, lower incidences of contaminated dead embryos, and the hatching of healthy chicks. Conclusions: Together, these results reinforce the importance of essential oils in the development of effective and safe treatments for managing hatching eggs.

Night Interruption with Red and Far-Red Light Optimizes the Phytochemical Composition, Enhances Photosynthetic Efficiency, and Increases Biomass Partitioning in Italian Basil

Controlled environment agriculture is a promising solution to address climate change and resource limitations. Light, the primary energy source driving photosynthesis and regulating plant growth, is critical in optimizing produce quality. However, the impact of specific light spectra during night interruption on improving phytochemical content and produce quality remains underexplored. This study investigated the effects of red (peak wavelength at 660 nm) and far-red night interruption (peak wavelength at 730 nm) on photosynthetic efficiency, biomass distribution, and phytochemical production in Italian basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Treatments included red light, far-red light, a combination of both, and a control without night interruption. Red light significantly increased chlorophyll a by 16.8%, chlorophyll b by 20.6%, and carotenoids by 11%, improving photosynthetic efficiency and nutritional quality. Red light also elevated anthocyanin levels by 15.5%, while far-red light promoted flavonoid production by 43.56%. Although red light enhanced biomass, the primary benefit was improved leaf quality, with more biomass directed to leaves over roots. Far-red light reduced transpiration, enhancing post-harvest water retention and shelf life. These findings demonstrate that red and far-red night interruption can optimize phytochemical content, produce quality, and post-harvest durability, offering valuable insights for controlled environment agriculture. Future research should focus on refining night interruption light strategies across a broader range of crops to enhance produce quality and shelf life in controlled environment agriculture.

High-fiber basil seed flour reduces insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet mice

The incidence of insulin resistance (IR) and hepatic steatosis is increasing, with dietary fiber playing a protective role against these disorders. Ocimum basilicum L., widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, but their health-promoting properties remain underexplored. This study evaluated the effects of a fiber-rich fraction of partially defatted basil seeds (BSF) on IR, hepatic steatosis, and polyunsaturated fatty acid and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6 J male mice. Mice were assigned to four groups and fed either a control diet or HFD, supplemented with BSF or oat flour for 4 weeks. HFD induced IR, hepatic steatosis, proinflammatory state, and a significant decreased in SCFA production. In contrast, supplementation with BSF attenuated IR, steatosis, liver damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation, while increasing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in liver, adipocytes, and erythrocytes, and enhancing SCFA production, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits in managing these conditions.

Temperature-induced changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters of Nile tilapia anesthetized with Ocimum basilicum

Temperature-induced changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters of Nile tilapia anesthetized with Ocimum basilicum

Transparent, Sprayable Plastic Films for Luminescent Down‐Shifted‐Assisted Plant Growth

AbstractThe world's steadily growing population and global heating due to climate change are a threat to food security. To meet this challenge, novel technologies are needed to increase crop production in a sustainable way. In this work, the use of luminescent down‐shifting (LDS) materials based on molecular Eu3+‐containing polyoxotitanates for plant growth enhancement is investigated. Using a systematic design strategy to optimize down‐shifting properties, conversion of the ultraviolet spectral range to the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is achieved with quantum yields as high as 68%. The prototype Eu3+‐compound can be incorporated into water‐based acrylic varnish that can be spray‐coated onto existing greenhouses. Comparing coated with uncoated greenhouses, basil plants produce 9% more leaf dry weight per plant, and a highly significant 10% increase in individual leaf dry weight. The coating reduces the amount of transmitted PAR by 8% but has advantageous effects on diffuse radiation and in reducing the internal mean temperature. Although there is some uncertainty as to the contribution of down‐shifting, with the bulk of the increase probably being due to higher diffused light and the reduction in maximum daily temperatures, this study establishes a model for the design of LDS paints for real‐world agricultural applications.

Unraveling Water-Soluble Constituents of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in Relation to Their Toxicity and Anti-Typhoidal Activity in Mouse Models.

Plants are the major source of natural flavour ingredients reported for their wide applications in food and pharmaceuticals, oral care and wellness products, etc. We have investigated the water-soluble fractions (WSF) of basil tetraploid (O. basilicum L.) for their toxicity and biological potential against Salmonella Typhimurium, a pathogen causing around one million cases of illnesses in the United States every year. The WSF obtained using a Clevenger-type apparatus was further divided into two equal parts, one each for in-vivo toxicity evaluation and quality assessments, respectively. The proportions of major phenylpropanoid identified as meta-eugenol in the WSF were found in the range of 42.8-57.9%, which was substantially in higher proportion as compared to essential oil (20.9-23.0%). Based on sub-acute oral toxicity data, WSF has not shown any adverse effect with levels as high as 500 µL/25g body weight in Swiss albino mice. Besides, the WSF also exhibited a maximum reduction in bacterial load in mice infected with Salmonella Typhimurium in a dose-dependent manner. We have shown the biological potential of basil water-soluble fraction as an effective bacterial load-suppressing agent for the prevention of Salmonella infections in animal model.

Therapeutic Potential of Ocimum basilicum L. Extract in Alleviating Autistic-Like Behaviors Induced by Maternal Separation Stress in Mice: Role of Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress.

A confluence of genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors shapes autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Early-life stressors like MS play a contributing role in this multifaceted neurodevelopmental disorder. This research was to explore the efficacy of Ocimum basilicum L. (O.B.) extract in mitigating behaviors reminiscent of autism prompted by maternal separation (MS) stress in male mice, focusing on its impact on neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. MS mice were treated with O.B. extract at varying dosages (20, 40, and 60 mg/kg) from postnatal days (PND) 51-53 to PND 58-60. Behavioral experiments, including the Morris water maze, three-chamber test, shuttle box, and resident-intruder test, were conducted post-treatment. The method of maternal separation involved separating the pups from their mothers for 3 h daily, from PND 2 to PND 14. Molecular analysis of hippocampal tissue was performed to assess gene expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Hippocampal and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured. O.B. extract administration resulted in the amelioration of autistic-like behaviors in MS mice, as evidenced by improved spatial and passive avoidance memories and social interactions, as well as reduced aggression in behavioral tests. O.B. extract attenuated oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, as indicated by decreased MDA and increased TAC levels, as well as downregulation of TLR4, TNF-α, and IL-1β expression in the hippocampus. O.B. extract may offer a novel therapeutic avenue for ASD, potentially mediated through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Nutritional composition of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) agro-ecotypic populations: prospecting and selecting for use in food products

Nutritional composition of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) agro-ecotypic populations: prospecting and selecting for use in food products

The Effects of Tomato Intercropping with Medicinal Aromatic Plants Combined with Trichoderma Applications in Organic Cultivation

To increase biodiversity in tomato cultivation, two herbal aromatic plants, thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), were introduced as companion plants. Their role was to improve crop plant growth and stress resistance. Moreover, the effect of the soil application of Trichoderma microbial preparations on tomato growth parameters and yield, in combination with companion plants, was studied. Ligno-cellulose multi-layer microcapsules with Trichoderma atroviride TRS14 spores (MIC14) and the commercial preparation Trianum G (TG) were used as microbial preparations. This experiment was carried out in a certified organic field. Tomato plants were intercropped with thyme or basil in the arrangement of two tomato rows alternating with one herbal row. In all intercropping arrangements and in the control (tomato plants grown without herbs), subplots were sectioned. The soil in the subplots was amended with the MIC14 and TG preparations used at a concentration of 104 spores g−1 of the soil and planted with tomato transplants. No control measures were applied during tomato growing, and the plants were naturally infected with late blight. Tomato plant growth parameters and yield were assessed, and late blight severity was monitored. The degree of soil colonization by Trichoderma fungi and the effect of these applications on soil microbial activity and biodiversity (dehydrogenases activity, EcoPlates AWCD, and Shannon index) were evaluated. The results clearly showed a significant influence of thyme and basil on tomato growth and yield in organic production. The cultivation of thyme adjacent to tomatoes had a beneficial effect on the development of the root system and the number of flowers and fruits on the crop plants. Basil, on the other hand, clearly decreased tomato yield and adversely affected the effect of Trichoderma applications by reducing root system development. Moreover, basil as a companion plant increased late blight symptoms. Both Trichoderma strains colonized soil, but they had no significant effect on the microbial activity or metabolic potential measured on the EcoPlates with the use of the BIOLOG system. However, a decrease in dehydrogenases activity was noted. In organic cultivation, the Trichoderma preparations used had no significant effect on tomato yield, opposite to its increase in integrated tomato production.

Botanical origins of honeys from pollen analysis during the main honey flow across agro-ecologies in kelala district, South Wollo, Ethiopia

This study aimed to identify the botanical origins of honey through pollen analysis across agro-ecologies of Kelala district, South Wollo, Ethiopia. Fifteen honey samples were collected from traditional beehives, with 5 samples from each of the highland, midland, and lowland agro-ecologies. Qualitative and quantitative pollen analyses revealed that 22 honeybee plants belonging to 8 families, with no families of poisonous origin, and 3 growth forms were identified. Among these plant species, 18 were found in the midland and 13 were recorded in each of the highland and lowland agro-ecologies. The family Fabaceae, with 7 (31.81 %) of the identified honeybee plants, was highly dominant (p < 0.03) compared to the other families. Herbs, with 18 plant species, were highly dominant (p < 0.001) compared to shrubs and trees. In terms of plant species diversity, 10 plant species (Bidens pachyloma, Guizotia scabra, Becium grandiflorum, Eleusine floccifolia, Lens culinaris, Lippia adoensis, Medicago polymorpha, Ocimum basilicum, Trifolium steudneri, and Zea mays) were found in more than 50 % of the honey samples, with the first 2 in all the samples studied. Analysis of each honey sample showed that 8 (53.33 %) of the samples were monofloral, 3 (20 %) were bifloral, and the rest were multifloral. However, all the honeys produced due to agro-ecology (geographical origin) were monofloral. Guizotia scabra in the highland and Bidens pachyloma in the midland and lowland agro-ecologies were the predominant pollen producing species and contributors of monofloral honey. In conclusion, the safe and healthy monofloral honey produced across agro-ecologies suggests the suitability of the honey for human consumption and can potentially attract investors.

Feature extraction of fluorescence excitation-emission matrices using PCA fused with Wilks Λ-statistic and FDA for origin identification and active components content prediction of sweet basil

Feature extraction of fluorescence excitation-emission matrices using PCA fused with Wilks Λ-statistic and FDA for origin identification and active components content prediction of sweet basil

Non-Destructive Prediction of Rosmarinic Acid Content in Basil Plants Using a Portable Hyperspectral Imaging System and Ensemble Learning Algorithms

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a phenolic antioxidant naturally occurring in the plants of the Lamiaceae family, including basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Existing analytical methods for determining the RA content in leaves are time-consuming and destructive, posing limitations on quality assessment and control during cultivation. In this study, we aimed to develop non-destructive prediction models for the RA content in basil plants using a portable hyperspectral imaging (HSI) system and machine learning algorithms. The basil plants were grown in a vertical farm module with controlled environments, and the HSI of the whole plant was captured using a portable HSI camera in the range of 400–850 nm. The average spectra were extracted from the segmented regions of the plants. We employed several spectral data pre-processing methods and ensemble learning algorithms, such as Random Forest, AdaBoost, XGBoost, and LightGBM, to develop the RA prediction model and feature selection based on feature importance. The best RA prediction model was the LightGBM model with feature selection by the AdaBoost algorithm and spectral pre-processing through logarithmic transformation and second derivative. This model performed satisfactorily for practical screening with R2P = 0.81 and RMSEP = 3.92. From in-field HSI data, the developed model successfully estimated and visualized the RA distribution in basil plants growing in the greenhouse. Our findings demonstrate the potential use of a portable HSI system for monitoring and controlling pharmaceutical quality in medicinal plants during cultivation. This non-destructive and rapid method can provide a valuable tool for assessing the quality of RA in basil plants, thereby enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of quality control during the cultivation stage.

The assessment of antioxidant potential of Olea europaea and Ocimum basilicum and their comparative and combine study

Many chronic diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, are connected to the negative consequences of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ocimum basilicum or basil is a plant that is high in eugenol and vitamin K and is recognized for its antioxidant qualities. Research has indicated that basil possesses strong anticancer properties, impacting multiple biological processes like autophagy, cell cycle regulation, inflammation management, apoptosis, and metastasis suppression. Analogously, Olea europaea (olive) is acknowledged for its hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant characteristics. Because of their anticancer properties, the polyphenols included in olive leaves have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy against specific forms of cancer. At doses of 100, 500, and 1000 µg/mL, respectively, the Olea europaea extract demonstrated dose-dependent antioxidant activity with scavenging rates of 45%, 66%, and 83%. At the same concentrations, the Ocimum basilicum methanolic extract demonstrated antioxidant action as well, with scavenging rates of 11%, 43%, and 49%. Notably, both plants’ methanolic extracts showed increased antioxidant activity when combined. At doses of 100, 500, and 1000 µg/mL, the combined extracts demonstrated scavenging activities of 42%, 49%, and 71% using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. This study's main goal is to assess the combined antioxidant capacity of methanolic extracts made from the leaves of Ocimum basilicum and Olea europaea. The results indicate that Ocimum basilicum and Olea europaea combination therapy considerably suppresses DPPH free radicals. With potential therapeutic effects, this combined therapy may be instrumental in scavenging free radicals that lead to the development of cancer.