Effect of salt stress and irrigation water on growth and development of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the influence of different salinity and irrigation water treatments on the growth and development of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Five salinity levels (0.4, 1.00, 2.50, 4.00 and 8.00 dSm-1) and three different irrigation water regimes (80, 100, 120% of full irrigation) were applied in a factorial design with three replications. Dry root weight, aerial part dry weight and aerial part/root ratio were determined and evaluated as experimental parameters at the end of growing period. Results revealed significant decreases in yields with increasing salinity levels. However, basil managed to survive high salt stress. With increasing salinity levels, decreases in growth were higher in roots than in leaves. Changes in the amount of irrigation water also significantly affected the evaluated parameters.