Advance Cultivation Practices of basil (Ocimum sp.)
Vipin Kumar1, RK Srivastava2
1
Technology and Business dissemination, CSIR– Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
(CIMAP), Picnic Spot Road Khurram Nagar Lucknow- 226015,vipinkumar210428@gmail.com,
2
rksrivastava@cimap.res.in
Abstract
The ocimum genus is a most economically important medicinal and aromatic herb collectively called
basil is a perennial, herbaceous and erect shrub. Basil is native to Asia and can be observed growing in
tropical to sub-tropical regions of the world. Essential oil obtained from leaves and flowering top of the
plants are used in food, flavours, perfumery and pharmaceutical industries. Use and production of basil
has been carried out from ancestors but is commercially cultivated for its valuable medicinal and
economically important essential oil purposes from last few decades in different part of the word. The
present chapter deals its historical background, distribution, uses, species and varieties, agro-technology
for its cultivation, diseases and their management and processing of oil.
Keywords: Ocimum, Medicinal and aromatic plants, Essential oil, Cultivation, eugenol
Introduction
Ocimum sp. is commonly known as Basil in English and Tulsiin Sanskrit meaning ‘matchless one’.
Common name of basil is derived from Greek word “besileus” which means“king” and the botanical
name of ocimum derived from Greek word “Ozo” which means“fragrant”. Due tobasil popularity and
uses, the plant often refers as “queen of herbs” (Joshi 2017).In different locations of the world, Ocimum
basilicum is known by different name. In india, in hindi and Bengali it is known as Babui Tulsi. In
various other countries, it its’ common name is, basilica, basilikum or basilienkraut, basilica, rehan and
albahaca are known in French, German, Italian, Arabic and Spanish respectively (Kirtikar and Basu,
2003, Bilal et al., 2012). Ocimum sanctum (holy basil) is predominately valued in indian hindu custom. It
is profoundly helpful and remedial spices used as flavor and delicacy,grownin most of the differentareas
of India.Ocimum sanctum L. is grown in temple, household precinct. Basically ocimum is one of the
most importantmedicinal plant asit has tremendous medicinal properties beside it has a good quantity of
essential oil in different plant partsso it also falls in aromatic plants categories, The plant isalso grows in
pot in the Indian houses as an ornamental plant for its attractive look, beauties and fragrance (Paton et.al.
1999). The medicinal properties of Tulsi have attributed not only in Ayurvedic and Siddha but also in
Greek, Roman and Unani systems of medicine (Rajanet. al. 2005).In Ayurveda, the use of tulsiis
described as sovereign sinceancestralperiodand isdocumented as ‘elixir of life’ and isclaimed for
longevity (Puri 2002).In traditional system of Indian medicine, thedifferent plant part of basil viz. leaves,
seed, flowers, stem, root even whole plant are used to treat severe ailments such as fever, cough and cold,
malaria, asthma, diarrhea, skin disease etc. (Prakash and Gupta 2005).Globally Ocimum is considered an
important economic medicinal and aromatic group of plants, widely distributed in tropical, subtropical
and warm temperate regions of the world (Paton et.al. 1999, Kumar et. al. 2018). Due to antioxidant and
anti-aging properties of Tulsi, Hindus use fresh leaves in the panchamrut or charanamrut drink after
Pooja. Ocimum genus contains about 150-160 species and varieties which are native to central Asia and
south Africa (Ghosh 1995, Pushpangadan and Bradu 1995). Ocimum is annual/perennial, herbaceous,
erect, woodyplant withmultiple branches, belongs to the family Lamiaceae (Mukherjee and Dutta 2007,
Hereman S. 1868). Due to the presence of incredible medicinal and aromatic properties basil have
received attention of the researchers in last few yearssignificantly (Makri, O 2007, Simon, J.E. 1990,
Baczek, K. 2019). The major important metabolites found in essential oil of ocimum species include
methyl chavicol, methyl cinnamate, eugenol, methyl eugenol, linalool, citral, camphor, geraniol, linalyl,
thymol,safrol, taxol, ursolic acid (Upadhyay et.al. 2015, Gupta et.al. 2018) .
Area under cultivation and its production
In india it is cultivate about (…) ha and production is (…..). Jammu and Kashmir is major produce state
in india. The highest productivity is 150 kg/ha oil and 250 q/ha herb in Jammu & Kashmir. The total
production of Ocimum in the word about (…..) and the major producer country is (---). There is very
good scope for its cultivation and global basil essential oil market size will grow by USD 186.5 million
during 2019-2023, progressing at a CAGR of almost 8% during the forecast period(Business wire).
North America is the largest region of Basil Leaves in the world in the past few years. Asia Pacific
market took up 37.87% the global market in 2019, while Europe and North America were about 4.35%,
51.23%. McCormick, Litehouse, Fresh Origins, Frontier Natural Products, Herbs Egypt, etc. are the key
suppliers in the global Basil Leaves market. The global Basil Leaves market size is about US$ 62 million
by 2026, from US$ 57 million in 2020, at a CAGR of 1.3% during 2021-2026(Source: Absolute Reports
Pvt Ltd July 16, 2020).
General History
There are many theories about the origin of basil but itis believed that ocimum has origin fromindia. The
historical literature evidencedthat tulsi was first depicted in 4000-5000 B.C. in Rigveda where it
wasaccepted to be the "Sovereign of Herbs".In Sanskrit Tulsi is described as "matchless one". In
mythological texts, several stories existed about origin of Tulsi but common andpopularly is associated
with treachery by lord Vishnu, Tulsi was mislead to betray her husband when lord Vishnu in disguise of
her husband and seduced her. In immense pain, she committed suicide, and in her response lord Vishnu
affirmed that all women would worship her for her faithfulness and her blessing would prevent women
from becoming widows (Gupta 1971, Shah et.al. 2018). Therefore, holy basil is worshiped by Hindus as
a goddess (Gupta 1971).Many believe that Ocimum came to India from England during 1500BC and
arrivedin USA in 1600BC (Darrah 1980).
Distribution
Ocimum species are used as a herbs and basil is distributed in India, Africa, Arabia, Australia, Sri Lanka,
Bangladesh, Thailand, China, Myanmar, Malaysia and can be noticedgrowing wildly in tropical to subtropical regions of the world.Ocimum contain about 150-160 species (Ghosh 1995, Pushpangadan and
Bradu 1995) in whichnine species of ocimum from india (Balyan and Pushpangadan 1988). The seven
spices of ocimum include Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum canum, Ocimum filamentosum Forssk, Ocimum
americanum L., Ocimum afrcanum Lour, Ocimum kilimandscharicum Gurke, Ocimum tenuiflorum L.
and Ocimum gratissimumare currently recognized fromIndia.The species Ocimum minimum could not
bejustified and was suggested a subspecies or even a variety of Ocimum basilicum. In India, Ocimum is
commonly cultivated in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu Kashmir, Tamil Nadu which varies
fromplains to hills uptothe altitude of 1800-2000 m in Himalayas.
Uses
The uses of basil are comprehensive worldwidedue toitshuge properties asmedicinal, aromatic, spices
and ornamental. The uses of basil in Ayurvedic medicine is a log history. Not only in Ayurveda but also
siddha system of medicine, basil uses for prevention and cure of many illnesses is mentioned
(Govindarajan et.al. 2005). The Ayurvedic system of Indian medicine utilizes different part of Tulsi viz.
root, stem, leaves, flower, seed and even whole plant use in fever, malaria, asthma, diarrhea, skin disease,
bronchial, eye disease, bronchitis and insect bite (Prakash and Gupta 2005). The plant is also useful in
the treatment of stomach pains, fever, cough, worms and gout. The leaf juice is used as a nasal douche, a
nostrum for ear ache and which is given with honey. For centuries, the dry leaves of Tulsiare beingmixed
stored grains to repel insects (Biswas and Biswas 2005).The English people used basil as food flavoring
and insecticide in 1600s (Gille et.al. 2007). The seeds of tulsi are refreshing and have sedative properties.
Tulsi seeds are taken with water, juice or cow’s milk as an antioxidant, nourishing, mucilaginous and
demulcent.In aromatherapy, ocimum is usedtocontrol cold, cough, bronchitis, sinusitis, fever, flue,
depression, nervous tension etc. (Srivastava et.al. 2009).
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is used as food flavoring, perfumery and cosmetics industries. The
essential oil of tulsiis also used in soaps, cream, food and flavours. The point of view Ocimum contain
various economically and industrially important essential oil rich in eugenol, methyl chavicol, safrol,
linlool, camphor, citral, geraniol, linalyl acetate, methyl cinnamate that can harnessed to producenew
commercial products(Grayer et.al. 1996 and nacar et al. 2000). Basil leaves are used in addition with
other herbs, food and flavors like garlic, mustard, sage paprika, pepper in soups, teas, rice, drink and
vegetable.Jewish folklore implies that duringfasting, basil gives you strength (Miele et. al. 2001).
Botany
The genus Ocimum contains about 160 species which are originated in the world. Various species of
Ocimum vary in growth habits, colour, fragrant, flavours and uses composition, making the true botanical
identity of basil difficult.Basil belongs to the Ocimum genus and family Lamiaceae, identified for their
medicinal and aromatic significance.It is an annual or perennial, herbaceous or under shrubs, erect,
woodywhich attains height of 80-120 cm. The stem of the plant is branched, obtusely quadrangular and
bear leaves. The leaves of the plants are petiolate, opposite, margin entire or serrate, dark green or
yellowish green in colour, width about 5 cm long and 2 cm wide. The inflorescence is terminal, simple,
branched, cymesessile and under branched. The flowers of are small, bracteolate,creamy white in colour.
The calyxremain bilabiate, ovoid with the upper lobe rounded and spreading, stalked and peculiarly
smooth, soft and cool in touch. Corolla is bilabiate, declinate withshort tube. Stamens remain four which
are didynamous, declinate, exserted, filaments free. Disk is entire three or four lobed andovary is
glabrous, style declinate, subulate and flattened. Nutlets are obovoid and oblong(Suddee et.al. (2005;
Kumar et. al. 2018).
Species of Ocimum:
The important species of Tulsi viz. Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum canum, Ocimum
americanum, Ocimum afrcanum, Ocimum citriodorum, Ocimum kilimandscharicum and Ocimum
gratissimum are under cultivaton for medicinal and aromatic purposes(Chopra et. al. 1956, Sen 1993;
Gupta et. al. 2002).
Sweet basil or French basil (Ocimum basilicum)is a most important commercial cultivar available in
the market (Darrah 1974).Ocimum basilicumis majorly being grown for its green leaves and
economically important essential oil whichis mainly extractedfromits leaf, used in cosmetic, perfumery
and pharmaceutical industries (Prakash and Gupta 2005).Methyl chavicol and linalool are the major
chemical compounds in Ocimum basilicum (Hiltunen and Holm 1999:91). Ocimum basilicumnative to
India and Asia,is an annual, green herb, branchedstem, white labiate flower, about one meter in height
and.The essential oil is extracted from leaves and flowering top through distillation process. Due to
greenness and attractive lookof plant isalso grown as an ornamental plant (Moraleset. al. 1996, Darrah,
H.H. et. al.1974).
Ocimum sanctumor Ocimum tenuiflorumknown as holy basil, the word ‘holy basil’ comes from its use
and importance in Hindus. The Sanskrit name is tulsi (Monier-Williams 1899:451),commonly found as
Black (Krishna Tulsi) and green (Rama Tulsi)colour and are grown for its plant parts used in medicinal
purpose. It is well known sacred plant. It is much branched, erect herb 60 o 90 cm in height, leaves are
ovate - lanceolate, acuminate opposite about 1.0 to 3.0 cm long margin with entire or toothed dotted with
minute oil glands.Flowers are small purple or white present in small compact clusters on spikes.Fruits are
small having yellowish or reddish color (Baser and jain 2016).
Ocimum killimandscharicum is an economically important perennial herb/ under shrub up to 1 m tall
with woody stem, small flower, widely used in colds, coughs, abdominal pains, diarrhea and measles. It
is also a richest source of essential oil extracted from leaf which used as insect repellents, storage pest,
antibacterial and antioxidant activity (kokwaro etal. 1976, prasad etal. 1986, khakkim et al. 2008)
Brush basil (Ocimum minimum) is annual, bushy, much smaller plant withovate leaves andwhite
flower. Generally brush basil ispropagated through seed and flower in July to august (Martins et al.
1999).
Ocimum viride also known as ‘fever plant’, is native of western Africa. The leaves are used in
preparation of decoction drunk as a remedy for the fevers.
Calaminthaclinopodium, known as wild basil or hedge basil orhedge calamint. Wild basil is an erect
plant andstem thickly covered with soft hairs (Grieveet. al. 1999, Pushpangadanet. al. 1995).
Common Name
1.
Holy basil
Ocimum sanctum
9
2.
Sweet basil
Ocimum
basilicum
48
Methyl
(40-50) 0.5-2
chavicol (25-30)
Herb
3.
Bush or Greek Ocimum canum
basil
Hoary basil
Ocimum
americanum
24
26
72
Linalool
camphor
Methyl
(70-75)
Herb
4.
Botanical Name
Chr. No.
Major chemical
constituents %
Eugenol (60-75)
S.N.
Oil (%)
0.5-1.0
2-4
2.5-5
chavicol 3.6-6.5
Habit
Herb
Herb
5.
-
Ocimum
citriodorum
-
Citral (65-70)
1.5-2.5
Herb
6.
Camphor basil
Ocimum
kilimandscharicu
m
76
Camphor (70-80)
1.5-3.5
Shrub
7.
Shrubby basil
Ocimum
gratissimum
10
Eugenol (70-80)
0.5-1.5
Shrub
Thymol (60-70)
1.8-2.5
Shrub
8.
-
Ocimum viride
-
Chemical composition
The oil extracted from the plant contain phenolic compounds such as carvacrol and eugenol; non phenolic compounds such as methyl cugcnol, methyl chavicol and caryophyllene etc. The leaves contain
beta - carotene, sterols, fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, volatile oil, fixed oil, mineral matters and
vitamin A, B and C. Major volatile oil (0.4-0.896) consists chiefly eugenol (-21%) and B - caryophyllene
(37%). Eugenol content reaches maximum in spring and minimum in autumn (Baseer and jain 2016). A
number of sesquiterpene and monoterpenes v Bommy acetate, -elemene, methyleugenol, neral B pinene, camphene etc. are found in oil. Ursolicacid, campestrol, cholesterol, stiprasterol, s -sitostorol and
methyl esters are common fatty acids.
The chemical compounds obtained from essential oil from various species have different types of
constituents which are used in perfumes. Tulsi species, Ocimum basilicum contains 0.5–2.0 percent
essential oil, Ocimum canum 2.0–4.0 percent, Ocimum americanum 3.6–6.5 percent. Ocimum
Kilimandscharicum with 1.5-3.5 percent and Ocimum sanctum contains 0.5-10 percent (Kumar N
2018). The composition of oil recorded, on the basis of oil profile of different geographical location,is
divided into four different types– (i) European type (sweet basil) (ii)reunion type (iii) methyl cinnamate
type (iv) eugenol (wealth of india 1976, Sobit et al. 1982, Simoom et al. 1990, Maroti et al. 1996, Datta
et al.2010, Gupta etal. 2018).
Climate
Basilis tropical to sub-tropical in nature which favors decently to high precipitation with high humid
conditions.Strenuous day and high temperature condition upgrade the development of plant growth and
oil production. Partial shade isnot favourableas it influences the oil content. The plant can tolerate
drought season and can slightlyoffensivetowards virus conditions. The family Ocimum is an incredibly
adaptable and isfound in tropical and warm temperature areas of the world. It grows well in moderate
rainfall and humid conditions but simultaneously requires sunlight for growth and high oil content.
Thefavorable temperature for plant growth varies between 24 ° C to 30 ° C.so, it can be cultivated only
as a summer crop in hills (Srivastava et.al. 2009, Chang et al. 2005).
Soil
The plant is hardy in nature and it can be grown on a various type of soils like well drained sandy and
sandy loam, saline alkaline and moderately acidic soils except the ones with highly saline andalkaline.
However, sandy loam soil with good organic matter is considered ideal which have pH ranges between
5.0 to 8.5. The water logged conditions is not suitable for its survival.
Varieties
Ocimum basilicum
CSIR-CIMAP has developed high yielding varieties of Ocimum basilicum namely CIM-Soumya, CIMSnigdha, CIM-Surbhi, CIM-Sarda, CIM-Jyoti, Vikarsudha, Kusmohak, MC-05.
CIM-Soumya- This variety was developed through selection. It is short duration crop (3 months).The
plants are dwarf and early flowering. Fresh herb yield is 290 q/ha and dry herb yield is 197 kg/ha with oil
content 0.68% from fresh herb, 0.99% from dry herb. The methyl chavicol content remain 62.54% and
linalool content 24.61%.
CIM-Snigdha- This variety was developed through intensive breeding approaches. It is short duration,
early maturing, high yielding and suitable for rain fed condition. It’s herb yield is approx. 280-290 q/ha,
oil yield 190-200 kg/ha and methyl chavicol upto 85-89%.
CIMA-Surbhi- This variety was developed through conventionalbreeding. It’s oil yield ranges 100-120
kg/ha, linalool 70-75% with 99% purity.
CIM-Vikarsudha- This varity was eveloped through intra- specific hybridization between exotic basil
from Australia (EC-331886) a landrace (badaun). It is a tall (75-90 cm) late maturity, herb yield 335
q/ha, oil yield 167 kg/ha, oil content 0.5%, methyl chavicol 78% and linalool upto 0.1%.
Kusmohak- it is introduction from Argentina and developed through selection. It is a medium tall, high
yielding, superior oil quality, sutaible for perfumery, cosmetic and related industry. Herb yield is upto
391 q/ha, oil yield 134 kg/ha, methyl chavicol 37% and linalool 45%.
MC-05-The fresh herb yield of this variety is 36 tonnes/ha, oil yield 127.4 kg/ha, oil 0.35%, methyl
chavicol 87%.
RRL-07- This variety was developed from Regional research laboratory, Jammu. It high citral content
(75-80%). Thefresh herb yield is 40 tonnes/ha, oil yield 200 kg/ha and oil content 0.50%.
RRL-011- It is also developed from Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu. Fresh herb yield is 50
tonnes/ha, oil yield 220 kg/ha, oil content 0.50%, linalool 40% and methyl chavicol 35%.
Ocimum sanctum-CSIR-CIMAP has developed followinghigh yielding varieties of Ocimum sanctum
namely CIM-Ayu, CIM-Angana, CIM-Kanchan.
CIM-Ayu-It is developed through mass selection. The plant of this variety is tall having green leaves,
high eugenol content. The fresh herb yield is 200 q/ha, dry herb yield 15.85 q/ha, oil yield 110 kg/ha, oil
content 0.72%and eugenol 83%.
CIM-Angana- This variety is developed through half- sib selection. Plant of this variety is tall, with
green leaves, suitable for tea. The fresh herb yield is 181q/ha, dry leaf yield 14.33 q/ha, oil yield
91.71kg/haand eugenol 40.42%.
CIM-Kanchan-This is developed through selection. It is a medium tall havinglight green slightly
undulated leaves with light purple stem. The herb yield is 19.7 tones/ha, oil yield 94 kg/ha and methyl
eugenol 70%.
Hybrid varietiesCIM- Shishir
CIM-Suvash
Ocimum africanum- CIM-Jyoti was developed through selection by CIMAP. It is a dwarf early
maturing, white flower, herb yield 200 q/ha, oil yield 150 kg/ha and citral content 68-75%.
Ocimum canumRRL-01- This variety was developed from Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu.
Ocimum americanum- RRL-02
Ocimum biride- RRL-08
Ocimum gratissimum- RRL-08
Field preparation
The field should be deep ploughingwith the help ofdisk plough in summer.Farm yard manure should be
applied 12-15 ton/ha before or after first ploughingso that FYM canbe spared and mixed with the soil
during second and third ploughing. Furthertwo ploughing should be done with the cultivatorfollowed by
planking in order to break the clods aswell as to make the soil pulverize.Besides, weedstubbles and other
grasses arealso removed manuallyto make the soil free from weeds. Now, the field becomereadyfor
planting.
Propagation
Propagation of basil can be done by seed and/or vegetatively but commercial propagation is generally
done by seed as this method is very cheap and easy. Vegetative method of propagation is not being used
for commercial cultivation due to high labour cost. Sowing of basil can be done through direct sowing
(broad casting)or in rows. However, in small farming it can be done through transplantation.
1. Direct sowing
About 2-2.5 kg seeds are required for sowing of one hectare area. The seed is mixed with 8-10 timeswith
fine dried soil or sand to ensure an even distribution in field. The spacing of plants can not be maintain
through broadcasting so to overcome this problem the field is market into rows 50-60 cm apart. The seed
with soil or sandis sown by seed drill or handin the rows but seed depth is kept not more than 2 cm. After
sowing of seeds, the rows are covered with soil by foot or byusing light leveler. The irrigation is done
after 24 hours of sowing (Bahl et al. 2018, Srivastava et.al. 2009). If the seeds are sown through
broadcasting in the field without row than thinning is necessary for maintaining proper spacing.
2. Nursery preparation
Basil is commonly raised through nursery and appropriate time for raising the nursery is last week of
May to first week of June in north India and last week of march to first week of April in south India.The
side of nursery isselected near to irrigation channels.About 500 m2 areaof nursery are required for the
cultivation of one-hectareland. Before preparation of nursery the land is well pulverized and is free from
weeds. The size of nursery bed is kept 2x4 m2 and the seedlings are transplanted when its height reaches
upto 15-20 cm.Drainage channel are alsoprepared around the bed for preventing the nursery from water
lodging. About 1ton FYM and 15:20:10 kg nitrogen, phosphorous, potash respectively is applied in the
bed.500g seeds are required for raising nursery forone-hectare area. The seeds should be mixed with 810times fine dried soil or sand. The seedsare raised in 10-12 cm apart line and 1.5 - 2 cm depth in the
soil. The appropriate moisture is kept in thebed.The nursery bed is mulched with hay and straw after
raising nursery so the moisture canmaintainon hand and other hand sown seedscan be saved from the
birds that is removedlater onafter germination ofseeds. The seedsare germinatedwithin8-12 days and the
seedlings become ready for transplantationafter25-30 days (Srivastava etal. 2009).
Transplanting
The nursery isirrigated before transplantation and transplantationis usually done in the morning time. The
seedlingsare planted in row at spacing 50*40 cm2 or 50*30 cm2depending upon soil fertility (Bahl et al.
2018).
Intercropping
Occimum is a small to medium bushy, annual and/or perennial herb that caneasily be grownunderneath
of some biggest tree orchard viz. mango, guava, papaya etc. and also under themedium to tall annual and
perennial crops viz. pigeon pea, maize, jowar, bajra.
Manure and Fertilizer
Generally, fertilizers are not required for plant growth but for good recovery of oil, fertilizer should be
applied based on the soil fertility. Generally 50:60:40 kg nitrogen, phosphorus and potash are required
per hectare. The 1/3 dose of nitrogen and full dose of phosphorus and potash are applied at planting time
and last two doses are applied in two splitsduring the growing session (Srivastava et.al. 2009).
Irrigation
First irrigation is done just after transplantation and later 2-3 irrigationsare doneduring10-15 days
interval. Irrigation depends on sowing time and availability of moisture content in the soil. Generally3-4
irrigations are essential but is not required during rainy session. The irrigation is stopped 10-15 days
prior of harvesting.
Intercultural operation
Proper weeding is essential for successful growth of basil. Weed should be control before they srart
competing for nutrient, moisture and light. First weeding is done one month after planting and second
weeding is done 30-35 daysafter first weeding. Further weeding is not required because plants become
busy thereby suppress the weed. Mulching can be done two months after planting toinhibit weed and
maintain moisture. Chemical herbicide should not be used to control weed.
Plant protection
Insect-pest
Generally, basil is a hardy crop and itvery less affected by insect, pest and diseases but some time the
insect and diseases attack to the crop hencethe management is necessary to obtain maximum return.
Leaf rollers- it affect thebasil crops which stick under the surface of the leavesand foldthe
leavesbackwards lengthwise and alsotogether.
Management- sparing of quinalphos 25 EC @ 300-400 ml per hectare, and spray of Malathion (0.2%) to
control this insect.
Lace wing- it is another pest which affect to the basil by ceasingthroughCochlochi labullita. The adult
and nymphs feed on leaves and younger stems, sometimes gregariously and leave their excreta making it
unsuitable for uses. Due to feeding, the leaves initially get curled and later on whole plant gets dried up.
Management- Sprayingof Azadirachtin 10,000 ppm @ 5 ml/l remain effective to control this insect
(Smitha et al. 2014 and Srivastava et.al. 2018).
Aphids - Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that are most commonly green and black in color, but
may also be gray, brown, pink, red, yellow or lavender. They tend to feed on tender, young growth
causing it to appear puckered or deformed. Though they are visible to the naked eye, they also leave
behind an excretion known as honey dew, which is another method of identification.
Management-it can be by botanical sprays such as insecticidal soap, pyrethrum, rotenone. Beneficial
insects such as ladybugs will also help to eradicate the pest.
Diseases
Powdery mildew (oidium spp.), seedling blight (Rhizoctonia solani) and root-rot (Rhizoctonia bataticola)
are major diseases of basil.Young plants remain more susceptible than old basil plants by downy
mildew.Downy mildew- It is caused by Peronosporabelbahrii, the symptoms of downy mildew can be
spotted on lower side of leaves and leaves become yellow.
Management-Powdery mildew can be controlled by spraying wettable sulphur (4 g/litre of water).
Root-Rot- it is ceased byRhizoctonia bataticola, the roots of basil plants get rot.
Management- it can be managed by improved phyto-sanitary measures and by drenching the nursery
beds with Bavistin 1% (Smitha et. al. 2014 and Srivastava et.al. 2018).
Leaf Spot- bacterial leaf spots are encouraged by wet, humid conditions and disseminated through
splashing water such as rainfall,black spots or lesions appears on the leaves.
Management-effected plant should be remove from the field and it can be prevent diseaseresistant seed
or plant material. Maintain good air circulation through consistent harvesting.
Fusarium wilt-it is a soil based common diseases of basilcaused by fusarium oxysporum. The first
symptom is yellowing shoot as well as yellowing leaves. In wet condition, the can show white or orange
fungal growth on the stem, in the late stage of disease, the plant could develop twisted stem and the stem
tissue become discolored.
Management-infected plant should be remove and burn as soon as possible after identifying. Refrain
from planting basil about 4-5 years in the infected field or soil. Disease fee seeds should be use for
propagation.
Crop rotation
Crop rotation is important practice for maintainingthe soil fertility and high profit return. Tulsi crops is a
high profitable crops compareto other some cereal crops, thus the planting of crops rotation of cereal
crops with tulsi can proved high return. The following rotation are recommended.
Basil-wheat-mint, Basil-pea-mint, Basil-potato-mint, Basil-potato, Basil-brassica-mint, Basil-camomilemint (Srivastava et.al. 2009, 2018)
Harvesting
The crop becomeready for first harvesting about 75-90 days after planting. The crop should be harvested
when field is driedand sunny weather. The crop is cut 20-25 cm above from the ground level with the
help of cutter. For distillation purposes, crop is harvested at 50 percent flowering.
Distillation
The distillation of basil is done by hydro- steam distillation using field distillation unit. Before
distillation, the crop is dried in shade about 25-30 hours toremove the moisture. The dry herbage is filled
in the tank of field distillation unit and heated. The process of distillation is completed about 3.5- 4 hours
dependingupon the unit and heat. The oil is collected and stored in air tide aluminum pots.
Yield
An average herbage yield of basilis about 25-30 tons ofand about 120-150 kg of essential oil can be
obtained per hectare.
Storage
The basil herbs are used for medicinal and aromatic purposes. For medicinal purposes especially in
ayurvedic system fresh and dry leaves are mostly used to maintain its valuable compound in the
herbage.The storage of basil is important process. The high percentage of water availability in the plant
(about 92%) makes basil quite perishable thus it is stored in a cool place or in the refrigerator for some
time. Dehydration is the most common and cheapest way of preserving basil leaves ensuring microbial
safety and extending their shelf-life.
After harvesting the fresh herb is storedvery carefully in shade and cool place because over drying of
leaves reduced the recovery of oil content. After distillation of basil, essential oil is storedin air tied
aluminium container for a long period. The container size should be such that can fullyfilledwith the oil
without air and the container is kept in dry and clean place.
Cost Benefit ratio
S.N.
Cultural practices
Cost
of
(Rs./ha/year)
1.
Land preparation
2800
2.
Seed (1 kg)
2500
3.
Transplanting
3000
4.
Irrigation
900
5.
Fertilizer
2850
6.
Plant Protection
700
7.
Weeding
2400
8.
Harvesting
3600
9.
Transport
1000
10.
Distillation
3000
11.
Interest of variable cost
796
Total
23546
Total yield per ha- 120 kg, Price of oil per kg 1000 (Price of oil can be fluctuating)
cultivation
Gross return (Rs.) - 1,20,000
Net return (Rs.) - 96,454
Cultivation practices in brief
S. N.
1.
Cultivation
practices
Field Preparation
2.
Seed
3.
4.
5.
Nursery
preparation
Transplantation
Irrigation
6.
Fertilization
7.
8.
Weeding
Plant Protection
Time
May- June
Description
First deep ploughing withdisk harrow in
summer after then 2-3 plowing by
cultivator
After preparation of field
500g/ha for nursery and 1.5-2 kg/ha for
direct sowing
Last week of May- June
500g seed and 500 m2 per ha area are
required
June - July
After 25-30 day of nursery sowing
Just after plantation
Three to four irrigation are required in
25-30 day interval
During field preparation and 50:60:40 NPK/ha
after irrigation
20-25 day after plantation
Two to three weeding are required
Pest- Fusarium wilt, Damping off, lace
wing.
Diseases- powdery mildew, seedling
blight, root-rot.
9.
Harvesting
10.
Distillation
11.
Yield
12.
Storage
75-90 days after plantation
Cut the plant by cutter 10-15 cm above
from ground level
20-25 hrs. after harvesting
Hydro stem distillation about 3.5-5 hrs
take in distillation.
After
harvesting
and 25-30ton herbage and 120-150 kg/ha oil
distillation
Herbagebefore
distillation Herbage store in shade, dry and cool
and essential oil after place and essential oil store in air tied
distillation
aluminum container
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Ocimum basilicum
HybridTusli
Kapoor Tulsi
Ocimum sanctum CIM Krishna
Intercropping with Maize
Lemon Tulsi
Field Preparation