In vitro germination of Basil seeds

Abstract

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an annual or perennial plant, depending on where it is grown, that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This species is commercially cultivated for its aromatic leaves, which are used fresh or dried for culinary and medicinal purposes. Micropropagation has been widely applied for large scale production of several species with medicinal, aromatic and seasoning properties, as well as for the extraction of their essential oils. This study evaluated the effects of activated charcoal, gibberellic acid, and MS medium ionic and sucrose concentrations on in vitro germination of basil. Basil seeds were disinfested in 70% ethanol (v v-1) for one minute followed by immersion in a solution of sodium hypochlorite 30% (v v-1) for 20 min. Subsequently, in a laminar air flow hood, seeds were rinsed three times with sterile distilled water and inoculated in MS medium with or without activated charcoal and supplemented with GA3 (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 mg L-1) as well as inoculated in MS medium with two ionic concentrations (50 or 100%) supplemented with three sucrose concentrations (10, 20 or 30 g L-1). The tests were arranged as factorial in a completely randomized experimental design. Thirty days after inoculation, seed germination rate (%) and seedling height (cm), number of leaves and fresh and dry weights (g) were evaluated. It was concluded that gibberellic acid and 100% MS medium favor basil seeds in vitro germination whereas the medium with half ionic concentration promotes seedling development. Lower concentrations of sucrose benefited seedling growth as well.