Differential response of genotype x environment on phenology, essential oil yield and quality of natural aroma chemicals of five Ocimum species

We have studies the impact of environmental conditions on phenological traits, biomass and essential oil yields of 15 genotypes of five Ocimum species in two locations in India. Genotypes grown in Lucknow recorded taller plants, greater canopy spread, higher biomass (20.53%) and oil (7.67%) yields. However, genotypes grown in Bangalore recorded higher oil contents and leaf stem ratios. Genotype OCB-9 (Ocimum basilicum) produced maximum biomass 19.85 t/ha and O. americanum genotype OCA-12 produced maximum oil yields 55.57 l/ha and 61.42 l/ha across Lucknow and Bangalore locations. O. tenuiflorum genotypes OCS-2 (48.84 l/ha) and OCS-6 (31.02 l/ha) produced higher oil yields at Lucknow and Bangalore. Lucknow grown O. gratissimum genotype OCG-14 and O. kilimandscharicum genotype OCK-15 were superior for biomass and oil yields relative to Bangalore grown plants. The present study clearly indicated that O. basilicum genotypes OCB-7, OCB-8 and OCB-11 are promising for specific aroma rich oil production across the locations. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.