Influence of foliar spray with phenylalanine and nickel on growth, yield quality and chemical composition of genoveser basil plant

Two field experiments were conducted during two successive seasons to study the effect of foliar application with Phenylalanine (zero, 50 and 100 ppm) and /or nickel (zero, 50 and 100 ppm) on growth, yield and essential oil components of genoveser basil plant (Ocimum basilicum L. var. Genoveser). Application of the combined treatment  (100 ppm Phenylalanine + 50 ppm nickel) resulted in the maximum values of all growth parameters, oil content and estimated yield of herb, leaves and oil. The essential oil was analyzed using a gas liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-Ms). All treatments proved that linalool was the main compound followed by 1,8 cineol, α-bergamotene, AE® cadinol and α-cadinol respectively. These compounds representing about 78.64% of the total oil constituents of genoveser basil. Application of 100 ppm Phenylalanine + 50 ppm nickel increased the relative percent of linalool, α-bergamotene, AE® cadinol α-cadinol except 1,8 cineole which was decreased by this treatment.   Key words: Genoveser basil, phenylalanine, nickel, yield, essential oil constituents.