Growth, Production and Essential Oil Content of Basil Genotypes in Hydroponic Conditions under Salt Stress

Aims: Salinity is one of the abiotic factors that most limit the yield of crops. However, the responses may vary according to the genotypic characteristics of each species. This study aimed to evaluate the growth, production and essential oil content of three basil genotypes subjected to salinity in deep flow technique hydroponic system.

Study Design: The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in split plots, with three replicates.

Methodology: The main plots were used to evaluate six levels of electrical conductivity of the solution (ECsol 2.45; 4.32; 6.38; 8.36; 10.37 and 12.27 dS m-1), obtained by the addition of NaCl in the nutrient solution. In the subplots, three basil genotypes (‘Alfavaca Basilicão’, ‘Grecco a Palla’ and ‘Toscano Folha de Alface’) were studied.

Results: Plant height was less sensitive than stem diameter to salinity. Shoot dry matter decreased by 6.87, 6.84 and 6.47%, respectively, in the genotypes ‘Alfavaca Basilicão’, ‘Toscano Folha de Alface’ and ‘Grecco a Palla’ per unit increase in salinity (dS m-1). The essential oil contents increased by 20.3 and 9.7% per unit increase in salinity (dS m-1) for ‘Grecco a Palla’ and ‘Toscano Folha de Alface’, respectively.

Conclusions: The genotype ‘Alfavaca Basilicão’ was the most recommended for shoot dry matter production up to salinity level of 10.37 dS m-1. At the highest salinity level tested (12.27 dS m-1), there was no difference in shoot dry matter production and absolute growth rate among the genotypes evaluated. The genotype ‘Grecco a Palla’ showed higher essential oil content as salinity increased.