Effect of foliar application with some micro-nutrients on the vegetative growth, volatile oil yield and chemical composition of Ocimum basilicum L. plant

摘要

Two field experiments were carried out during two successive seasons (2000 and 2001) to investigate the effect of foliar application with some micro-nutrients on growth, volatile oil yield and chemical composition of Ocimum basilicum L. plant. The plants were grown in clay soil, and foliar sprayed with seven treatments (0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30%) of combined fertilizer (Pholaz D) which contains Fe, Mn and Zn. Generally, it was found that all vegetative growth parameters and oil % and yield, significantly increased with the application of the different treatments. The maximum values were obtained from the treatment of 0.25%. Increasing the micronutrients level up to the rate of 0.30%, decreased all the measuring parameters. The addition of micronutrients at level of 0.25% increased both linalool and methyl chavicol concentrations while, it decreased ocimene concentration compared with the control. The highest value of ocimene was noticed with the tested level at 0.30%. Both alpha-terpeniol and eugenol concentrations were not affected due to the different treatments. The content of N, P, K, Fe, Mn and Zn in plant herb increased with increasing level of all fertilization treatments. The highest chlorophyll content in plant leaves was produced with micronutrients spray at 0.25% level while, the highest carbohydrate percentage in plant herb was resulted from the control. From the previous results, the foliar application with the combined micronutrients at the rate of 0.25% to sweet basil plants could be recommended.