Effects of planting pattern and plant density on Quantitative and qualitative yield in two basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) medicinal plants

To evaluate of quantitative and qualitative yield of two basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) medicinal plants as affected by planting pattern and plant density، an experiment carried out in factorial arrangement basis on randomized complete block design with three replications. Two varieties (green and purple) of basil، two planting patterns (single and double row) and four plant densities (40، 60، 80 and 100 per m2) comprised experimental factors. Results showed that the interaction effect between varieties× planting patterns× plant densities was significant for spike number per plant، achene number per plant، seed number per achene، seed and essence yield except 1000-seed weight and essence percent. The highest number of spike (14. 33) and achene number per plant (45) were obtained in green basil variety، double row planting pattern and density of 40 plants per m2. The highest seed yield (2920 kg/ha) was observed in green basil variety، double row planting pattern and density of 100 plants per m2. But the interaction between purple basil variety × double row planting pattern × 40 plants per m2 showed the greatest essence yield (54. 56 kg/ha). The lowest number of spike (9. 33) and achene number per plant (22. 33) were observed in purple basil variety، single and double row planting pattern and density of 100 plants per m2. In this experiment، purple basil showed superiority to green basil variety for yield quality as affected by planting pattern and plant density per unit of area. Hence، agronomic management can affect yield quantity and quality of basil medicinal plant.