Effect of nitrogen fertilization on the production and productivity of Basil, red basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in spring and autumn seasons.

ABSTRACT

The basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) currently is distributed to all continents and was introduced in Brazil with the arrival of Italian colonization. The main parts used for commercialization in Brazil are the fresh or dried leaves. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of doses of nitrogen fertilization for cultivation in spring and fall, the yield characteristics and the productivity of basil, Basil red in the greenhouse. The experimental design was a randomized block, in a factorial 2 x 6 with five replications, where the first factor constituent of five nitrogen doses and one control (0.0; 45.0; 90.0; 135.0; 180.0 and 225.0 kg ha^-1 of nitrogen) and by the second, the growing seasons (Spring and Autumn). For the productive characteristics of the cultivar red Basil, it was found that the nitrogen rates between 90.0 to 135.0 kg ha^-1 were better, bringing all tested productive characteristics, the spring crop. When observed growing in the autumn, was only fit for the crown projection, fresh weight of shoot and leaf area. When there was significant adjustment, the dose of approximately 110.0 kg ha^-1 of nitrogen was that promoted further development of culture. Regarding the growing seasons in the spring we recommended the use of mineral nitrogen fertilization, but when this crop is performed autumn, nitrogen fertilization is not responsive.

Keywords Fertilization; productive characteristics; protected cultivation