ABSTRACT

Basil is used as spice and for medicinal purposes. Its growth is influenced by environmental factors, mainly soil moisture and air temperature. Thus, this study was installed to evaluate growth and production of basil under different levels of luminosity and water replacement. The experimental design was completely randomized, with six replicates, arranged in split plot scheme, with three luminosity levels in the plots (full sun, 50% and 70% shading) and four water replacement levels in the subplots (25, 50, 75 and 100% ETc). We evaluated plant height, stalk diameter, number of leaves and branches, root system volume, the largest root length, fresh and dry mass of roots and leaves. Data were submitted to variance analysis to observe significant differences between treatments and interactions. Luminosity effects were evaluated using Tukey test (p≤0.05%) and the effects of water regime, with the aid of regression analysis. According to data, 50% shading and 100% water replacement, lost through crop evapotranspiration, resulted in higher values of plant height, stalk diameter, branch growth, fresh and dry mass of leaves, and number of leaves. Full sun environment and 100% water replacement provided an increase in root dry mass and volume.

Keywords:
Ocimum basilicum; shading; water deficit