Effects of short stress preiods and mycorrhizal inoculation on the behavior of white basil (O. basilicum L.)

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E. Jerez

Abstract

This work was carried out with the objective of
evaluating the optimal time to suspend water supply before
the cut, and the effect on the production of essential oils as
well as the contribution of mycorrhizal nutrition on water status
and some growth variables, in white basil (Ocimum
basilicum L.) plants developed in six-liter-pots containing a
substrate made up by soil and organic matter (filter cake) at a
ratio of 3:1 v/v. The mycorrhizal strain used was Glomus clarum,
applied in the sowing time at a rate of 10 g/pot. Treatments
consisted of suspending water supply for five and seven days
before the cut, and a well irrigated control, divided in two
groups: with or without micorrhizal fungus. The experiment
was carried out twice. Plant height and dry weight were
determined, as growth variables, and to know water status, at
the beginning and the end of the treatments, relative water
content, leaf water potential, osmotic potential and the potential
of pressure, as well as stomatal conductance were evaluated;
in the cutting time, the content of essential oils was determined
in non-mycorrhized plants. Evaluations were carried out
between 10 and 11 am on five well developed leaves (third or
fourth pair, numbered from the apex to the base) with five
repetitions in each variable. In all treatments, the percentage
of mycorrhizal colonization and endophyte mass were
determined. Results demonstrated that despite plant growth
variables were highly affected when exhibition time to stress
condition was longer, the content of essential oils was favored,
which proves that it is possible to suspend water supply before
the cut. Water relationships were less modified in mycorrhizal
plants, since plants under that condition had in general a better
water status, regarding the different variables evaluated, which
is demonstrated because these plants had a bigger
colonization and endophyte mass.

Article Details

How to Cite
Jerez, E. (2013). Effects of short stress preiods and mycorrhizal inoculation on the behavior of white basil (O. basilicum L.). Cultivos Tropicales, 25(2), 29–35. Retrieved from https://ediciones.inca.edu.cu/index.php/ediciones/article/view/513
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Original Article