Comparison of Yield and Yield Components of Six Purple Basil Genotypes in Isfahan Province

Abstract
Different types of basil have attracted the attention of experts due to their antioxidant properties and supply of vitamins. To select the best purple basil genotype in terms of yield potential and adaptation to climatic conditions of the Isfahan region, six basil genotypes (native populations of Dastgerd, Isfahan and Ghaemshahr and advanced populations of Mazandaran, Ghaemshahr and Dastgerd) in two years (2016-2017) evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications at Kabootarabad station. The effect of year and the interaction of year and genotype on the studied traits were not significant, but genotypes showed significant differences in terms of leaf yield and weight (at 5% level) and the number of leaves (at 1% level). The advanced population of Dastgerd purple basil with a yield of 22177 kg.ha^-1 was significantly higher than the Dastgerd, Ghaemshahr and Mazandaran purple basil populations. The weight of the leaves ranged from 756 g.m^-2 (in the Isfahan population) to 1056 g.m^-2 (in Ghaemshahr purple basil population). The number of leaves per plant in the Dastgerd purple basil population was 26, and significantly was more than other genotypes (except Dastgerd basil mass). According to the results of this research, for fresh consumption, Dastgerd purple basil population, Isfahan native population and Ghaemshahr purple basil population were more desirable, while Mazandaran genotype was recognized as the superior genotypes with more dry matter yield and essential oil production per unit area.
Introduction
Basil (Ocimum basilicum L., 2n = 2x = 48) as a member of the Lamiaceae family has annual and perennial varieties and more than 60 species are cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa and South America. Fresh food, medicinal, cosmetic and spice uses for this plant are mentioned and the amount of its essential oil varies from 0.1 to 0.45% depending on the variety, weather conditions and soil. In the comparison of 12 purple and green basil genotypes in Isfahan and Mazandaran provinces, the yield of the second harvest was higher in all genotypes, and in addition, the genotypes in the two regions showed completely different reactions, so that the (Mazandaran 2) genotype in Isfahan region was the lowest (11 t.ha^-1) and It produced the highest yield (29.6 t.ha^-1) in Mazandaran. Comparing some characteristics of purple and green basil in hydroponic conditions in Ahvaz, it was found that purple basil was superior to green basil in terms of chlorophyll content, carotenoid content and antioxidant capacity. This research was conducted with the aim of investigating the compatibility and selection of the advanced purple basil population in Isfahan province.
Materials and Methods
To select the best purple basil genotype in terms of yield potential and adaptation to climatic conditions of the Isfahan region, six basil genotypes (native populations of Dastgerd, Isfahan and Ghaemshahr and advanced populations of Mazandaran, Ghaemshahr and Dastgerd) in two years (2016-2017) evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications at Kabootarabad station. In order to prepare a suitable substrate, land preparation including plowing and two disks perpendicular to each other was done. Chemical fertilizers of urea (150 kg.ha^-1), triple superphosphate (100 kg.ha^-1) and potassium sulfate (70 kg.ha^-1) were used based on the soil test. All the phosphorus and potash needed at the time of planting and nitrogen in divided form, 75 kg in each field at the time of plant activity, 75 kg were given as top dressing fertilizer one month later. To measure the yield, 50 cm from the sides of the plots were considered as margins and the rest of the plot was used to measure the yield. The performance of different harvests was recorded separately for each variety. To measure the final leaf area, eight plants were selected from the middle of each plot before harvesting, and finally, the total average for the total plots was calculated for each genotype. Composite variance analysis of traits was performed with SAS software version 2.9 and the averages were compared with Duncan's multiple range test.
Results and Discussion
The effect of year and the interaction of year and genotype on the studied traits were not significant, but genotypes showed significant differences in terms of leaf yield and weight (at 5% level) and the number of leaves (at 1% level). The advanced population of Dastgerd purple basil with a yield of 22177 kg.ha^-1 was significantly higher than the Dastgerd, Ghaemshahr and Mazandaran purple basil populations. The weight of the leaves ranged from 756 g.m^-2 (in the Isfahan population) to 1056 g.m^-2 (in Ghaemshahr purple basil population). The number of leaves per plant in the Dastgerd purple basil population was 26, and significantly was more than other genotypes (except Dastgerd basil mass). According to the results of this research, for fresh consumption, Dastgerd purple basil population, Isfahan native population and Ghaemshahr purple basil population were more desirable, while Mazandaran genotype was recognized as the superior genotypes with more dry matter yield and essential oil production per unit area.
Conclusion
The presence of indigenous masses of crops are considered among the blessings of God in our country. Purple basil is one of the plants that has significant genetic diversity in the country. Results The present study showed that Dastgerd purple basil population along with Ghaemshahr purple basil population and Isfahan purple basil population were significantly superior to the genotypes used in this research with 22177, 18418 and 18397 kg of fresh yield, respectively. The acceptable performance of these genotypes and their compatibility with the weather conditions that have led to the production of four crops during the growing season can support the consumer market well.