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 sps. is commonly known as Basil in English and Tulsi in 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 to basil popularity and uses, the
plant often refers as “queen of herbs” (Joshi 2017) [1]. 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 (Bilal et al. 2012) [2]. Ocimum
sanctum (holy basil) is predominately valued in indian hindu custom. It is profoundly helpful and remedial
spices used as flavor and delicacy, grown in most of the different areas of India. Ocimum sanctum L. is
grown in temple, household precinct. Basically Ocimum is one of the most important medicinal plant as it
has tremendous medicinal properties beside it has a good quantity of essential oil in different plant parts
so it also falls in aromatic plants categories, The plant is also grows in pot in the Indian houses as an
ornamental plant for its attractive look, beauties and fragrance (Paton et al. 1999) [3]. The medicinal
properties of Tulsi have attributed not only in Ayurvedic and Siddha but also in Greek, Roman and Unani
systems of medicine. In Ayurveda, the use of Tulsi is described as sovereign since ancestral period and is
documented as ‘elixir of life’ and is claimed for longevity (Puri 2002) [4]. In traditional system of Indian
medicine, the different 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) [5]. 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) [3,6]. 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) [7,8]. Ocimum is annual/perennial, herbaceous, erect, woody plant with multiple branches,
belongs to the family Lamiaceae (Mukherjee and Dutta 2007, Hereman S. 1868) [9,10]. Due to the
presence of incredible medicinal and aromatic properties basil have received attention of the researchers
in last few years significantly (Makri, O 2007, Simon, J.E. 1990, Baczek, K. 2019) [11,12,13]. 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
(Gupta et al. 2018) [14].
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 from india. The
historical literature evidenced that tulsi was first depicted in 4000-5000 B.C. in Rigveda where it was
accepted 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 and popularly 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 (Shah et al. 2018) [15]. Therefore, holy basil is worshiped by Hindus as a goddess. Many believe
that Ocimum came to India from England during 1500BC and arrived in USA in 1600BC (Darrah 1980)
[16].
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 noticed growing wildly in tropical to subtropical regions of the world. Ocimum contain about 150-160 species (Ghosh 1995, Pushpangadan and
Bradu 1995) [7,8] in which nine species of Ocimum from india. 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 from India. The species Ocimum minimum could not be justified 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 from plains to hills upto the altitude
of 1800-2000 m in Himalayas.
Uses
The uses of basil are comprehensive worldwide due to its huge properties as medicinal, 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) [17]. 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) [5]. 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 Tulsi are
being mixed stored grains to repel insects (Biswas and Biswas 2005) [18]. The English people used basil
as food flavoring and insecticide in 1600s (Gille et al. 2007) [19]. 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 used to control cold, cough,
bronchitis, sinusitis, fever, flue, depression, nervous tension etc. (Srivastava et al. 2009) [20].
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 have harnessed to produce new
commercial products (Grayer et al. 1996, nacar et al. 2000) [21, 22]. 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 during fasting, basil gives you strength (Miele et al. 2001) [23].
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, woody
which 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
calyxrema in bilabiate, ovoid with the upper lobe rounded and spreading, stalked and peculiarly smooth,
soft and cool in touch. Corolla is bilabiate, declinate with short tube. Stamens remain four which are
didynamous, declinate, exerted, filaments free. Disk is entire three or four lobed and ovary is glabrous,
style declinate, subulate and flattened. Nutlets are obovoid and oblong (Suddee et al. 2005, Kumar et al.
2018) [24, 25].
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 (Gupta et al. 2002) [26] Table 1.
Sweet basil or French basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a most important commercial cultivar available in
the market Ocimum basilicum is majorly being grown for its green leaves and economically important
essential oil which is mainly extracted from its leaf, used in cosmetic, perfumery and pharmaceutical
industries (Prakash and Gupta 2005) [5]. Methyl chavicol and linalool are the major chemical compounds
in Ocimum basilicum (Hiltunen and Holm 1999) [27]. Ocimum basilicum native to India and Asia is an
annual, green herb, branched stem, 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
look of plant is also grown as an ornamental plant (Morales et al. 1996) [28].
Ocimum sanctumor Ocimum tenuiflorum known as holy basil, the word ‘holy basil’ comes from its use
and importance in Hindus. The Sanskrit name is tulsi 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) [29].
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 (Hakkim et al. 2008) [30].
Brush basil (Ocimum minimum) is annual, bushy, much smaller plant with ovate leaves and white flower.
Generally brush basil is propagated through seed and flower in July to august.
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 or hedge calamint. Wild basil is an erect plant
and stem thickly covered with soft hairs (Grieve et al. 1999, Pushpangadan et al. 1995) [31, 32].
Table 1: Various species of Ocimum with their common name, chromosome number, major chemical
constituents and oil
S.N.
Common Name
Botanical Name
1.
Holy basil
Ocimum sanctum
2.
Sweet basil
3.
Bush or Greek
basil
Ocimum
basilicum
Ocimum canum
Chromo- Major chemical
some
constituents %
number
9
Eugenol (60-75)
Oil (%)
Habit
0.5-1.0
Herb
48
0.5-2
Herb
2-4
2.5-5
Herb
24
26
Methyl (40-50)
chavicol (25-30)
Linalool
camphor
4.
Hoary basil
5.
Lemon basil
6.
Camphor basil
7.
Shrubby basil
8.
-
Ocimum
americanum
Ocimum
citriodorum
Ocimum
kilimandscharicu
m
Ocimum
gratissimum
Ocimum viride
72
3.6-6.5
Herb
-
Methyl chavicol
(70-75)
Citral (65-70)
1.5-2.5
Herb
76
Camphor (70-80)
1.5-3.5
Shrub
10
Eugenol (70-80)
0.5-1.5
Shrub
-
Thymol (60-70)
1.8-2.5
Shrub
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)
[29]. 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)
[6]. 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 (Simoom et al. 1990, Maroti et al. 1996, Datta et al.2010, Gupta et al. 2018)[33,34, 35, 14].
Climate
Basil is 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 is not favourable as it influences the oil content. The plant can tolerate drought
season and can slightly offensive towards virus conditions. The family Ocimum is an incredibly adaptable
and is found 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. The favorable
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) [21, 36].
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 and alkaline.
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 conventional breeding. 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%). The fresh 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 following high 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/ha and
eugenol 40.42%.
CIM-Kanchan-This is developed through selection. It is a medium tall having light 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 ploughing with the help of disk plough in summer. Farm yard manure should be
applied 12-15 ton/ha before or after first ploughing so that FYM can be spared and mixed with the soil
during second and third ploughing. Further two ploughing should be done with the cultivator followed by
planking in order to break the clods as well as to make the soil pulverize. Besides, weed stubbles and other
grasses are also removed manually to make the soil free from weeds. Now, the field become ready for
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 times with
fine dried soil or sand to ensure an even distribution in field. The spacing of plants cannot maintain through
broadcasting so to overcome this problem the field is market into rows 50-60 cm apart. The seed with soil
or sand is sown by seed drill or hand in 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 by using light leveler. The irrigation is done after 24
hours of sowing (Bahl et al. 2018, Srivastava et al. 2009) [37, 20]. 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 is selected near to irrigation channels. About 500 m2 area of nursery are required for the
cultivation of one-hectare land. 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 also prepared 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 for one-hectare area. The seeds should be mixed with 810times fine dried soil or sand. The seeds are raised in 10-12 cm apart line and 1.5 - 2 cm depth in the soil.
The appropriate moisture is kept in the bed. The nursery bed is mulched with hay and straw after raising
nursery so the moisture canmaintainon hand and other hand sown seeds can be saved from the birds that
is removedater on after germination of seeds. The seedsare germinatedwithin8-12 days and the seedlings
become ready for transplantationafter25-30 days (Srivastava et al. 2009) [20].
Transplanting
The nursery is irrigated before transplantation and trans plantation is usually done in the morning time.
The seed lings are planted in row at spacing 50*40 cm2 or 50*30 cm2depending upon soil fertility (Bahl
et al. 2018) [37].
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 splits during the growing session (Srivastava et.al. 2009) [20].
Irrigation
First irrigation is done just after transplantation and later 2-3 irrigations are 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 days after first weeding. Further weeding is not required because plants become
busy thereby suppress the weed. Mulching can be done two months after planting to inhibit weed and
maintain moisture. Chemical herbicide should not be used to control weed.
Plant protection
Insect-pest
Generally, basil is a hardy crop and it very less affected by insect, pest and diseases but some time the
insect and diseases attack to the crop hence the management is necessary to obtain maximum return.
Leaf rollers- it affect the basil crops which stick under the surface of the leaves and fold the leaves
backwards lengthwise and also together.
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 ceasing through Cochlochi 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- Spraying of Azadirachtin 10,000 ppm @ 5 ml/l remain effective to control this insect
(Smitha et al. 2014 and Srivastava et al. 2018) [38, 39].
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 by Rhizoctonia 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) [38,39].
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 disease resistant seed
or plant material. Maintain good air circulation through consistent harvesting.
Fusarium wilt-it is a soil based common diseases of basil caused 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 maintaining the soil fertility and high profit return. Tulsi crops is a
high profitable crops compare to 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, Srivastava et al 2018) [20, 39]
Harvesting
The crop become ready for first harvesting about 75-90 days after planting. The crop is harvested at a time
of full bloom when lower leaves turn yellowish and the flower are appearing 50%. The crop should be
harvested when field is dried and 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
Distillation uses for the separation of essential oil from the herbage. Generally, three type of distillation
technique like stem distillation, hydro distillation and hydro-stem are used for obtaining of essential oil.
The distillation of basil is done by hydro- steam distillation using field distillation unit. In this method,
distillation unit is divided into three main parts i.e. still or tank, condenser and receiver-cum-separator. The
still is divided into two parts i.e. false bottom perforated grid and actual bottom.
Before distillation, the crop is dried in shade about 25-30 hours to remove the moisture. The dry herbage
is filled in the tank of field distillation unit and heated. The process of distillation is completed about 3.54 hours depending upon the unit and heat. The oil is collected and stored in air tide aluminum pots.
Yield
The yield of herbage and oil from basil crop depend on various factors including varieties, climate, soil
properties, plantation time, fertilization and time of harvesting etc. An average herbage yield of basil is
about 25-30 tons of and 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 stored very carefully in shade and cool place because over drying of
leaves reduced the recovery of oil content. After distillation of basil, essential oil is stored in air tied
aluminium container for a long period. The container size should be such that can fully filled with the oil
without air and the container is kept in dry and clean place (Table 2).
Table 2: Brief description of cultivation practices of Ocimum
S No.
Time
Description
1.
Cultivation
practices
Field Preparation
May- June
2.
Seed
After preparation of field
3.
Nursery preparation
Last week of May- June
First deep ploughing withdisk harrow in summer
after then 2-3 plowing by cultivator
500g/ha for nursery and 1.5-2 kg/ha for direct
sowing
500g seed and 500 m2 per ha area are required
4.
Transplantation
June - July
After 25-30 day of nursery sowing
5.
Irrigation
Just after plantation
6.
Fertilization
7.
Weeding
During field preparation and
after irrigation
20-25 day after plantation
Three to four irrigation are required in 25-30 day
interval
50:60:40 NPK/ha
8.
Plant Protection
-
9.
Harvesting
75-90 days after plantation
10.
Distillation
20-25 hrs. after harvesting
11.
Yield
After harvesting and distillation
Pest- Fusarium wilt, Damping off, lace wing.
Diseases- powdery mildew, seedling blight, rootrot.
Cut the plant by cutter 10-15 cm above from
ground level
Hydro stem distillation about 3.5-5 hrs take in
distillation.
25-30ton herbage and 120-150 kg/ha oil
12.
Storage
Herbage before distillation and
essential oil after distillation
Herbage store in shade, dry and cool place and
essential oil store in air tied aluminum container
Two to three weeding are required
Cultivation cost and benefit
The cost of cultivation of ocimum variety usually comes about Rs. 23546/- per ha and production of oil
remain about 120 kg per ha. The price of oil is about Rs. 1000/- per kg which lead to Rs. 96454/- net profit
(Table 3).
Table 3: Cultivation cost and net profit
S.N.
Cultural practices
1.
Land preparation
Cost of cultivation
(Rs./ha/year)
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 cost of cultivation
23546
Total oil yield
120 kg/ha
Price of oil per
Rs. 1000/kg
Gross return
Rs. 1,20,000
Net Profit
Rs. 96,454
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Ocimum basilicum
Hybrid Tusli
Ocimum sanctum
Ocimum citriodorum
Ocimum kilimandscharicum
Field Preparation
Inter cropping with maze