Influence of technological factors on the formation of biometric parameters of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum l.) under the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of the research was to determine the influence of certain technological factors on the growth, development, and formation of biometric parameters of sweet basil under the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe. Three varieties of sweet basil were studied: Marian, Philosopher, and Kira. Different transplanting periods were investigated (the third decade of April and the first, second, and third decades of May). Seedlings were transplanted at densities of 3, 4, and 5 plants per linear meter. The second experiment involved direct sowing of Marian and Philosopher varieties in open ground at three sowing dates: the third decade of April, and the first and second decades of May. Methods. During the research, general scientific methods were applied: hypothesis formulation, observation, and analysis; as well as specific methods, including laboratory and field methods. Biometric analysis of the plants was conducted to determine plant height, bush diameter, and number of leaves per plant. Experimental data were processed using mathematical statistics according to V. O. Yeshchenko. Results. as a result of the conducted observations, measurements, and analyses, a significant difference was established among the studied basil varieties regarding plant habit formation, particularly in terms of height, bush width, and leafiness. the experiment demonstrated the influence of certain technological factors on the growth, development, and productivity formation of sweet basil under the right-bank forest-steppe conditions. different responses of the studied basil varieties to transplanting dates and plant density per linear meter were observed. Conclusions. For the Marian variety, the best results were obtained for the control transplanting date in the first decade of May, with an average of 58.2 leaves per plant. For the Kira variety, the best result was observed for transplanting in the third decade of April, with 38.2 leaves per plant. The tallest plants were also formed by the Marian variety – 58,2 cm in height when grown from seedlings transplanted in the third decade of May, with a bush diameter of 23,2 cm for this variant.