Effect of the Substrate Composition on Yield and Quality of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Abstract

Abstract Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an aromatic herb which has a high value and is of high demand in the world. Basil in Ukraine is grown mainly in small farms and country house gardens. The influence of the substrate composition (proportions of peat to perlite) on the yield of herbs and on the accumulation of biologically active substances with antioxidant properties was studied for two cultivars grown in a green-house. It was found that the substrate composition influenced the fresh and dry weight, as well as level of total phenolic compounds, carotenoids and essential oils of basil. The herbs yield, ascorbic acid and essential oils concentration increased at an addition of 20, 40 and 60% of perlite, and decreased at 80% as compared to 100% peat. Plants of both cultivars accumulated the highest amount of phenolic substances when grown in the substrate, which contained 40% of peat and 60% of perlite. The concentration of ascorbic acid increased in plants grown in the substrates with 20, 40 and 60% of perlite, mostly at 40%. Significant increase in the concentration of carotenoids differed for cultivars and in ʽBad’oryi’ cv. increased at 20 and 40% perlite, but in ʽFilosof’ at 20, 40 and 60%.