Characteristics of in vitro seed germination of three basil genotypes under different nutrition

Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of different basal medium composition on germination characteristics in three basil genotypes under in vitro conditions. Ocimum basilicum var. basilicum cv. Genovese, Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens cv. Dark Opal and Ocimum x citriodorum seeds were grown in media with a quarter, half, and full-strength of macroand micronutrients and under different levels of nitrate alone or in combination with different levels of ammonium. Evaluated parameters included germination percentage, mean time to germination, rate of germination, and germination uniformity. Seeds of the studied basil genotypes demonstrated significant differences in germination characteristics depending on the availability of nutrients, but also the nitrogen form used. It was concluded that in order to obtain a high level of germinated seeds with significant speed and uniformity of germination under in vitro conditions culture media composition must be adjusted according to the investigated genotype. The results of this study could improve overall tissue culture conditions for a particular basil genotype.