SHAHIDULLAH NIAZI, MOHAMMAD FIRDAUS SULAIMAN, MOHAMMAD ISMAIL SADAT, GHIZAN SALEH AND JAAFAR JUJU NAKASHA
Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
*(e-mail : jujunakasha@upm.edu.my; Mobile : +6 01735 40012)
(Received : January 11, 2022; Accepted : March 13, 2022)
ABSTRACT
The economic value of basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) herb comes from its leaves; efforts to increase the
number of leaves should be of high importance. This study was conducted to improve the growth and
development of basil through investigation on the effects of applications of different rates of nitrogen (0,
100, 150 and 200 kg/ha) and percentage of shade (0, 50 and 70%). Results showed that the growth and
development of basil responded to the different rates of nitrogen applications as well as the percentages
of shade. Plants treated with 150 kg/ha N under 50% shade yielded the best results, reaching 48.8 cm
in height, possessing the highest number of leaves (139 leaves/plant) and average leaf area (11.42 cm2/
leaf). It was also noticed that plants exposed to full sun light had the lowest plant height (34.55 cm),
lowest number of leaves (120 leaves/plant) and lowest leaf area (5.40 cm2/leaf). The application of
nitrogen at 150 kg/ha and 50% shade offered better development of leaves (number, leaf area and
weight) with good development of root (weight, length and surface area). As the value of basil is on its
leaves, therefore, the final recommendation is made based on the growth and development of its leaves.
Key words : : Physiology, light intensity, fertilizer, production, yield, basil