Review on Production and Importance of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L) and Roles of Fertilizer on Basil Yield

Abstract

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is one of the most popular medicinal and aromatic plants that belong to Lamiaceae family and the Ocimum genus is known with its highly aromatic leaves, utilized either fresh or dried for culinary. Basil is grown in many countries of the world as spice, medicinal, and aromatic plant. The medicinal and aromatic properties of basil are associated with the presence of an essential oil that accumulates in large amount in its leaves and inflorescences. It performs well in warm and humid climate. However, basil is sensitive to frost and heavy rain fall. The growth and yield of basil is affected by different factors. Moreover, nutritional requirements of the crop are considered to be the most important factor among many plant growth factors. Nitrogen contributes to greatest extent to increase the biosynthesis of essential oil and its composition in numerous aromatic plant species. Essential oil yield and its chemical composition of these plant species significantly depend on the rate of nitrogen, phosphorous and sulfur.

Keywords: Chemical composition, Essential oil, and Nitrogen.

DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/11-9-05

Publication date:May 31^st 2021