Variability Studies in French Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Variability studies conducted in 30 Ocimum genotypes (20 exotic and 10 indigenous) in two environments during kharif (rainy season) 2004 and 2005 revealed highly significant variation for all the characters studied. More fresh herbage yield per plant was recorded in the genotypes namely IC333332, EC338785, EC128730 and EC388788. However, high essential oil yield per plant was extracted from genotypes IC110267 and EC388890. The pooled data analysed at phenotypic level revealed that fresh herbage yield per plant had highest positive direct effect with essential oil yield per plant and maximum direct negative effect in essential oil content. The essential oil yield per plant had the highest direct positive effect at phenotypic level on essential oil content followed by fresh herbage yield per plant whereas maximum negative effect was observed in number of flower-whorls per spike and days to seed maturity. The above genotypes performed well in respect of fresh herbage and essential oil yield per plant which could be considered for incorporation in breeding programme to develop an improved variety coupled with high yield potential to enhance the production and productivity.