Abstract

EFFECT OF ENHANCED SOLAR UV-B (280-320) RADIATION ON PHYSIOLOGY AND VOLATILE OIL SYNTHESIS IN OCIMUM BASILICUM L.

S. M. Janetta Nithia* and N. Shanthi

ABSTRACT

Ocimum basilicum is one of most widely used traditional Indian herbal medicine.It is used for bronchitis,bronchial athama,skin disease, arthiritis,inflammation,fever etc..Basil grown for essential oil from leaves and stem. The plants grow well in full sunlight condition ,when the plant is exposed to enhanced solar UVB radiationin under field condition for four hours various changes wete observed..The result showed UVB has significant effect on basil morphological and biochemical characteristics.Compared to control,the UVB radiation had stimulating effect in the height,fresh and dry weight ,leaf area, pigment biosynthesis and volatile oil content were significantly increased. Electron microscopic study showed that UV-B also stimulates the synthesis of volatile oil composition .The size and number of oil glands was also increased in UV-B doses. The present finding suggested that UV-B radiation promote the growth and volatile oil content of the plant which are economically important.

Keywords: Occimum basilicum, essential oil composition, UV-B.