Response of Sweet Basil Chemical Constituents and Essential Oil Percentage to Foliar Application of Some Plant Extracts and Fe and Zn Fertilizer

Abstract

The present study was conducted during the two successive seasons of 2021 and 2022 at a private farm in Menia EL.Qamh-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt to investigate the effect of foliar application with moringa, seaweed and carnation extracts and Fe and Zn as chelated (Fe- EDTA and Zn- EDTA) on chemical contents and essential oil  percentage of sweet basil cv. Genovese.

The experiment was contained three replicates, each replicate contained 20 treatements (3 levels of both extracts and control X 5 levels of micro-nutrients).

Data were statistically analyzed using split plot design in both growing seasons. The main plot represented the 2 plant extracts of seaweed  and moringa,  and control treatment), while the control, Fe at 50 and 100 ppm and Zn at 50 and 100 ppm, were occupied in the   sub - plots .

Results revealed that plant extracts significantly increased chemical contents and essential oil percentage of sweet basil cv. Genovese, in both growing seasons. Seaweed extract, being the most effective on chemical contents and essential oil  percentage of sweet basil  in both growing seasons.

This treatment followed by the moringa leaves extract, respectively. The lowest values in chemical contents and essential oil percentage of sweet basil as a result of control treatment without any plant extract.

Conclusively: it could be concluded that seaweed extract, and Fe at the rate of 100 ppm, being the most effective treatments on chemical contents and essential oil  percentage of sweet basil .