Fertilization and cropping systems: performance and oil content of basil varieties

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an aromatic and medicinal crop that produces metabolites rich in chemical constituents for various purposes. The composition of the essential oil is variable due to external factors during production, such as fertilization and the environment, and the oil concentration may vary even among the genotypes of a species. For sweet basil mores studies are needed to clarify understanding about the biomass and essential oil yield and nutrient management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomass and essential oil yield of basil varieties with organo-mineral fertilizer under different agricultural systems. The experimental design was a randomized complete block (DBC), with three replications, in a 2X4 factorial scheme, with two varieties (Maria Bonita and Genovese) and four fertilizations (50 and 100% organo-mineral, one mineral source and one organic source). Two areas were carried out simultaneously (greenhouse and field) to evaluate plant height, fresh biomass, essential oil content, yield and chemical composition. Results indicate that Genovese showed superior height and biomass yield when mineral or organic fertilizer was used at the greenhouse. Organo-mineral and organic fertilizers provided significantly better results of biomass yield in both varieties at field cultivation. The oil content was higher in the field, reflecting higher oil yields in field treatments in comparison to greenhouse. We concluded that the environment of cultivation and the way fertilizer sources release the nutrients can be determinan factors in the performance of basil plants; without protected cultivation, the content of essential oil is higher and the organo-mineral fertilizer can provide better nutrient supply to the plants mainly during rainy season.