Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) genotypes present different contents, yields and chemical constituents in its essential oils. Factors influence the essential oil production of basil, such as cultivar and cultivation method. The study of genetic parameters is a useful tool to identify superior genotypes. In this work we estimated some genetic parameters associated to the production behavior of six basil populations cultivated in 2004/05 and 2005/06. The variables dry weight of leaves + inflorescences and essential oil yield presented high variability because of strong influence of the studied years. Linalool content presented constant values during the two years. Essential oil content and yield and linalool content in the essential oil presented high herdability in the combined analyses, indicating genetic control and great possibilities to transmit them to the following generations. The combined analyses showed highest essential oil content and yield for the populations PI 197442-S3-bulk 3, PI 197442-S3-bulk 5 and PI 197442-S3-bulk 8. For the major chemical constituent of the essential oil, linalool, all the populations presented similar content. Only the minor chemical constituents were different.
Ocimum basilicum L; medicinal and aromatic plant; essential oil; linalool; genetic parameters; genetic variance; herdability
