Impact of simulated acid rain on yield carbohydrate contents of Ocimum sanctum L. (Tulsi)

This study was undertaken to determine whether or not simulated rain affects yield and carbohydrate contents of two cultivars of a herb Ocimum sanctum L. (cv. IC-75730 and cv. Local). The present study reports of a field and laboratory based experiment conducted to assess the effect of simulated acid rain of different pH i.e. 5.5, 4.5, 3.5, and 2.5. Treated plants showed early flowering than normal rain plant (pH 5.5). Number of flowers, number of spikes and weight of seeds and total yield per plant reduced in treated plants pH 4.5, 3.5, and 2.5 of simulated acid rain. Carbohydrate contents of leaves fractions were adversely affected. The effect of simulated acid rain become more pronounced with increase in acidity of acid and duration of treatments. Maximum reduction in carbohydrate content was found at pH 2.5. In both the cultivars, the reduction in yield carbohydrate content was greater in cv. Local than cv. IC-75730.