Changes of yield and quality in sweet basil (ocimum basilicum L.) under different salt stress conditions

This study was carried out to determine the changes caused by different salt concentrations on the yield and quality parameters of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) plants and to determine the effects on these changes. After root development was completed, 4 different NaCl concentrations (0, 60, 120 and 180 mM) were applied to basil plants transferred to pots when they were 10-13 cm and 6-8 leaves. Plant heights, fresh and dry herb weights, fresh and dry leaf weights and essential oil ratios, dry leaf yield and essential oil yields were examined. According to the preliminary findings, the highest average plant height value obtained was 35 cm in the Control group and the lowest plant height value was 14 cm in the 180 mM salt group. The highest average fresh herb weight value obtained was 312 g in the Control group and the lowest value was 140 g in the 180 mM salt group. The highest average dry herb weight value obtained was 93 g in the Control group and the lowest value was 52 grams in the 180 mM salt group. The highest average fresh leaf weight value obtained was 124 g in the Control group and the lowest value was 65 grams in the 180 mM salt group. The highest average dry leaf weight value obtained was 9 g in the Control group and the lowest value was 4 grams in the 180 mM salt group. In terms of essential oil content, the highest value obtained showed a change of 0.80-0.70% in the Control group, and the lowest value was 0.30-0.40% in the 180 mM salt group. The highest average dry leaf yield value was 9 g in the Control group and the lowest value was 4 grams in the 180 mM salt group. The highest average essential oil yield value was 6.6 g in the Control group and the lowest value was 1.3 grams in the 180 mM salt group. According to the results, it was observed that the yield and quality of basil plants decreased as the salinity level increased. Salt concentrations applied to basil plants negatively affected the growth and development of the plant. Plant height, fresh and dry herb weights, leaf weights and essential oil ratios decreased significantly in basil exposed to salt stress. Keywords: Salinity, Basil, Plant height, Essential oil, Quality, Yield