Exploring Different Organic Manures in the Production of Quality Basil Seedlings

Abstract

In recent years, the demand of people for medicinal and aromatic plants has dramatically increased. For this reason, a large number of researches are being conducted to make these plants more quality. In this sense, this study explored the effects of domestic peat, bat guano, chicken and sheep manures, and vermicompost on the growth, quality traits, and nutrient contents of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). For this purpose, an experiment in greenhouse conditions was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications. The treatments included control (100% Peat/Perlite) and three doses (2%, 4%, 6%) for each of four organic manures. In total, there were 13 treatments. The study showed that there were significant differences among treatments for aesthetic appearance score, height, and fresh and dry weights of plants with the exception of crown width. Control and "94% Peat/Perlite + 6% Bat guano" had the lowest and highest values of all growth and quality traits. Overall, it concluded that "94% Peat/Perlite + 6% Bat guano" should be used in planting basil. Further studies including different organic manures and their combinations are required to obtain better growth and quality traits as well as physiological traits of basil.