Fertilizer effect on some basil bioactive compounds and yield

Abstract

ABSTRACT Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an annual plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is used as an aromatic and medicinal plant. Basil is grown in different regions with varying climates; the productivity and quality are influenced by both abiotic and biotic factors. This study was aimed to determine the impact of the application of different types of fertilizers on the yield and contents of some bioactive components in basil. The treatments consisted of three different types of fertilizers (mineral, organomineral, and organic) and control (without fertilization). The yield per plant and the essential oil content with fertilizer treatment were better than that in control. The highest fresh yield (450.9 g per plant) and oil content (0.94 mL 100 g-1) were recorded in basil cultivated using mineral fertilizers. Furthermore, the fresh yield (333.9 and 327.8 g per plant) and oil content (0.87 and 0.85 mL 100 g-1) were higher after the application of organic and organomineral fertilizers compared to that in the control treatment. There was no significant effect of fertilizer application on the total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity. This study demonstrated a suitable practical application of organomineral fertilizers as a nutrient source in basil crop production in areas where the use of mineral and organic fertilizers is limited.