The Herb Yield and Essential Oil Composition of Bush Basil (Ocimum minumum L.) Grown in Turkey

Abstract

In this research we studied the essential oil components and herb yields and oil content. (%) of bush basil grown in the Mediterrancan region of Turkey. Bush basil was cultivated under Çukurova conditions in Turkey, and was harvested 3 times at the full-flowering stage. In our conditions, harvest number could be increased to 4 times provided that earlier sowing was performed. Total fresh leaf yield was 1320 kg/da. The maximum essential oil content (0.98 %) was obtained at the third harvest time from the dried leaf. Main component of the essential oil was methyl cinnamate.